Loch of Lintrathen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loch of Lintrathen |
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Loch of Lintrathen at dusk
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 Loch of Lintrathen
Location in Angus
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| Coordinates | 56°40′49″N 3°10′58″W / 56.68030167°N 3.18285226°W |
| Type | freshwater loch |
| Max. length | 2 km (1.2 mi) |
| Max. width | 1.2 km (0.75 mi) |
| Surface area | 169 ha (420 acres) |
| Average depth | 23.29 ft (7.10 m) |
| Max. depth | 69.88 ft (21.30 m) |
| Water volume | 423,213,862 cu ft (11,984,082.0 m3) |
| Shore length1 | 8 km (5.0 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 205 m (673 ft) |
| Max. temperature | 55.5 °F (13.1 °C) |
| Min. temperature | 48.0 °F (8.9 °C) |
| Islands | 0 |
| Settlements | Kirriemuir |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
The Loch of Lintrathen is a beautiful lake in Scotland, near the town of Kirriemuir in Angus. It's a special lake because it was made by people, and it sits in a valley carved out by glaciers long ago.
About Loch Lintrathen
The Loch of Lintrathen is owned by Scottish Water. It is used to supply drinking water to homes and businesses. It has been a main water source for the city of Dundee and the Angus area since 1875.
The loch also serves as a very important place for wildlife. It has a surface area of about 151.1 hectares (373 acres). The dam that holds the water is made of earth.
Water Flow and Connections
The small village of Bridgend of Lintrathen is located on the southern side of the loch. Water flows into Loch of Lintrathen from Backwater Reservoir, which is about 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) to the north.
Water leaves the loch through special gates called sluices at Bridgend of Lintrathen. This water then flows south as the 'Melgam Water'. It eventually joins the River Isla about 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) further south, near Airlie Castle.
Amazing Wildlife
Loch of Lintrathen is a great place for many different kinds of birds and animals. It is known for having a lot of birds, especially during winter.
- Greylag Geese: A very important number of greylag geese spend their winters here. About 3% of all greylag geese from Iceland come to this loch.
- Other Animals: You might also see whooper swans, otters, and osprey at the loch.
- Fishing: The loch is also a popular spot for trout fishing. The Lintrathen Angling Club manages the fishing. Both brown and rainbow trout can be caught here.
Protecting the Loch
Loch of Lintrathen is recognized as a very important natural area. It has several special protections to keep its wildlife and environment safe.
- Ramsar Site: It is listed as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. This means it's recognized globally for its unique wetland features. The protected Ramsar Site includes a marshy area in the northwest, covering a total of 217 hectares.
- Special Protection Area: The loch is also a Special Protection Area. This designation helps protect wild birds and their habitats.
- Site of Special Scientific Interest: It is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This protects the best examples of Scotland's natural heritage.
- Nature Reserve: The Scottish Wildlife Trust helps manage the loch and the area around it as a nature reserve. This ensures the wildlife and natural beauty are cared for.
