Loch Duich facts for kids

Loch Duich seen from the north-west. You can spot Eilean Donan Castle in the middle, Loch Long on the left, and Loch Alsh on the right. The mountains of Glen Shiel are in the background.

Loch Duich (pronounced "Loch Doo-ich") is a beautiful sea loch located on the west coast of Scotland. It's found in a stunning area called the Highlands. In Scottish Gaelic, its name is "Loch Dubhthaich".

History of Loch Duich

In 1719, an important event happened near Loch Duich. British soldiers burned many homes along the loch's shores. This happened just before a battle called the Battle of Glen Shiel.

Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle standing proudly where Loch Duich meets other lochs. The Isle of Skye can be seen far away.

One of the most famous landmarks in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle, stands right at the point where Loch Duich meets two other lochs: Loch Long and Loch Alsh. It's a very popular spot for visitors!

Legends of the Loch

Loch Duich has its own special legend. The story tells of three brothers who went fishing one night. They saw three seal-maidens dancing on the sand in the moonlight. These maidens had taken off their seal furs and looked like humans.

The brothers stole the furs, hoping to marry the seal-maidens. But the youngest brother felt sorry for the seal-girl he had captured. He gave her seal-skin back. Because of his kindness, the girl's father allowed the youngest brother to visit her every ninth night.

The middle brother wasn't so lucky. His seal-wife found her stolen fur and left him. The oldest brother tried to make sure his wife wouldn't leave. He burned her fur, but he accidentally hurt her in the process.

Loch Ness Monster Connections

You might have heard of the Loch Ness Monster. There's a story about a film, sometimes called the "McRae film," that supposedly shows "Nessie" in Loch Ness. What's even more interesting is that a second film is said to show a similar creature in Loch Duich!

Most people say these films are kept secret. Not many people have seen them. It's still a mystery if these films truly exist. However, some researchers who study the Loch Ness Monster believe they do.

Protecting Nature in Loch Duich

Loch Duich is a very special place for nature. Because of this, it was named a Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area (NCMPA) in 2014. This protection also includes the nearby sea lochs of Loch Long and Loch Alsh.

This special status helps protect the unique habitats found in these lochs. For example, they protect areas of burrowed mud where many creatures live. They also protect special beds of flame shells, which are a type of shellfish.