Loch an Sgoltaire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loch an Sgoltaire |
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 Loch an Sgoltaire
Location in Argyll and Bute
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| Location | Colonsay, Scotland |
| Coordinates | 56°05′48″N 6°12′12″W / 56.0966°N 6.2033°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Basin countries | United Kingdom |
| Surface area | 140,700 m2 (1,514,000 sq ft) |
| Surface elevation | 60 m (200 ft) |
Loch an Sgoltaire is a very important body of water located on Colonsay, a beautiful island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. It's not a natural lake, but a special type of lake called a reservoir. This means it was created to store water for people to use. For everyone living on Colonsay, Loch an Sgoltaire is the main place they get their fresh drinking water.
What is a Reservoir?
A reservoir is like a giant storage tank for water. Engineers build a strong wall, called a dam, across a valley or a river. This dam holds back the water, creating a large artificial lake. Reservoirs are super useful because they help make sure people have enough water for drinking, washing, and even for farming, especially during dry times.
Loch an Sgoltaire is an "impounding" reservoir. This means the dam holds back the water that naturally flows into the area, creating the lake.
Location and Importance
Loch an Sgoltaire is found on the northwest side of Colonsay, not far from a place called Kiloran. The island of Colonsay is part of the Inner Hebrides, a group of islands off the west coast of Scotland. These islands are known for their stunning landscapes and unique wildlife.
The dam that created Loch an Sgoltaire was built in 1982. It's made of concrete and stands about 3.1 metres (around 10 feet) tall. This dam is key to keeping the water supply steady for the island's residents and visitors.
A Glimpse of History
Even though Loch an Sgoltaire is a modern reservoir, it has a touch of history too! On one of the small islands within the loch, you can find the ruins of an old castle. It's similar to another historic castle called Loch Gorm Castle on the nearby island of Islay. Imagine how old that castle must be, standing there for centuries! These ruins remind us that people have lived and used the land around this loch for a very long time.
