Type freshwater loch Surface elevation 66 m | Basin countries United Kingdom | |
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Location Isle of Skye, Highlands, Scotland | ||
Loch Mealt is an inland fresh-water loch lying close to Ellishadder, south of Staffin, on the eastern side of the Trotternish peninsula in the Isle of Skye, in the Scottish Highlands.
Contents
Map of Loch Mealt, Portree, UK
GeographyEdit
This roughly square-shaped loch is about 1 km in length. It is located close to the sea and its eastern side comprises the spectacular 55 metres (180 ft) tall sea-cliffs of Kilt Rock, made of dolerite rock strata in many different colours. Kilt Rock boasts a dramatic waterfall created from the outflow of Loch Mealt.
EcologyEdit
There are a number of bird species in this roadside loch, including resident ones such as the greylag goose. Its waters are favored by diving ducks.
The Orkney charr (Salvelinus inframundus), a char species that could be vulnerable to extinct, has been found in Loch Mealt. Since the impact of Canadian Arctic char fish farming in the lake upon the native char population is unknown and the taxonomic identity of the char deemed as Salvelinus inframundus is lacking essential information, a full IUCN Red List assessment cannot be made.