Water Safety Week: Just how deep are the lochs in Scotland
With the arrival of warmer weather and in advance of Water Safety Week, VisitScotland has visualised the enormous depths of Scotland's eleven deepest lochs by comparing them to iconic landmarks.
Article Source: VisitScotland
Last Updated: 7 June 2023 12:43
New illustrations released by VisitScotland have captured the true depths of Scotland's deepest lochs ahead of Water Safety Week (18th -25th June).
Recent reports estimate that wild swimming in the UK has increased by threefold since 2019, and searches for "wild swimming in Scotland" have soared by 242%* in just this past month alone.
With Scotland clearly on the minds of travellers looking to explore blue spaces this summer, VisitScotland hopes that the new illustrations will help swimmers and those participating in watersports, and activities such as paddleboarding, to understand the complexity and grandiosity of its beautiful Lochs.
While Scotland's lochs may seem calm on the surface, they are full of crevices, underwater currents, sharp drops (and even rumoured creatures). Therefore, it's crucial that those choosing to go into Scotland's lochs fully appreciate what goes on beneath the surface.
And, because 'seeing is believing', VisitScotland has decided to show exactly how deep Scotland's eleven deepest lochs plunge below the surface by comparing them to iconic landmarks and structures from across the globe.
See the first five deepest lochs in Scotland and their size comparisons below:
1. Loch Morar
Loch Morar in the Lochaber area of the Highlands takes the crown as the deepest loch in Scotland. At its deepest point, the loch reaches depths of around 1,020ft – deeper than most of the seabed off Scotland’s west coast!
Loch Morar is the third-deepest loch in Europe and, according to local legend, it is even home to a mysterious creature known as Morag, who is said to resemble Loch Ness’ Nessie.
That’s about the same depth as:
• The height of the UK’s tallest building: The Shard building in London (1,016ft).
• 69 Great White Sharks stacked from nose to tail.
2. Loch Ness
Not only is Loch Ness perhaps Scotland's most well-known loch, but it is also Scotland's second-deepest loch coming in at about 745ft at its deepest point.
Loch Ness is also Scotland’s biggest loch by volume and contains more freshwater than all the lakes in England and Wales combined.
That’s about the same depth as:
• The height of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, the towers of which sit at a height of 746ft above water!
• 65 Adult African Elephants (with an average size of 3.5m), stacked one on top of the other.
3. Loch Lomond
The third deepest loch in Scotland is Loch Lomond, which comes in at about 620ft at its deepest point.
Interestingly, Loch Lomond is also the biggest loch in the UK by surface area, spanning a whopping 71 sq km and 24 miles long.
That’s about the same depth as:
• More than two Statue of Liberty monuments stacked on top of each other (305ft each, including the pedestal statue it sits upon).
• Or, for a more everyday comparison, 190 average-sized washing machines stacked.
4. Loch Lochy
The fourth deepest Scottish loch is that with the easiest to remember (or most unoriginal) name: Loch Lochy in the Lochaber region of the Highlands.
At its deepest point, Loch Lochy reaches depths of approximately 531ft.
That’s about the same depth as:
• Four Boeing 737-800 planes (at around 130ft each) stacked from tail to nose!
• A tower made of approximately 16,875 standard LEGO bricks.
5. Loch Ericht
Loch Ericht is the fifth largest loch in Scotland and sits on the border between Perth and Kinross and the Highlands.
At its deepest point, Loch Ericht reaches depths of about 512ft.
That’s about the same depth as:
• The height of the Blackpool Tower, which is 519ft tall.
• 54,167 £1 coins stacked on top of each other.
To view the eleven deepest lochs and their size comparisons, please visit: www.visitscotland.com
Vicki Miller, VisitScotland Director of Marketing & Digital said: “Our research has shown the positive influence water can have on wellbeing and in recent years we’ve seen an increase in popularity of activities embracing this such as wild swimming and paddleboarding.
“Through this campaign we wanted to bring to life the majesty of these waters and show that while our lochs offer plenty of opportunities, there is a need to remain safe when enjoying them. Fortunately, our lochs are home to many fantastic businesses and operators who can help visitors experience the water safely and responsibly.”
James Sullivan, Chair of Water Safety Scotland comments: “Lofty Lochs is a thought-provoking campaign that visibly highlights the extreme depths of Scotland’s lochs.
“The breathtaking beauty of Scotland’s lochs makes them very alluring, but it is important that people are aware of the inherent dangers posed by their extremes in both depth and temperature.
“Individuals should make themselves aware of the risks and take the appropriate precautions to ensure these areas of great outstanding beauty can be enjoyed safely and responsibly.
“We encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with the water safety code and also more specific advice from WSS, which can be found on our website.”
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign at Murrayfield stadium.
READ MORE
Wicked fans in Scotland invited to special Sing Along screenings at Vue this Boxing Day
After becoming one of the most popular big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day.
READ MORE
Funding win marks anniversary of Mackintosh acquisition
A generous package of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been pledged to the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.
READ MORE
Caledonian Sleeper announces winners of photography competition celebrating UK beauty spots
Caledonian Sleeper has announced the winners of its photography competition aimed at celebrating the country's most scenic locations on the overnight train's iconic route.
READ MORE
Garden Centre invites budding indoor gardeners to its stores
Dobbies Garden Centres is kicking off the new year on a green note, offering two free workshops at its Scottish stores this January.
READ MORE
Ticketmaster announces Breakthrough 2025 list
Ticketmaster has unveiled its much-anticipated Breakthrough 2025 list, highlighting the brightest up-and-coming stars set to shape the live music scene in 2025.
READ MORE
Blooming Fabulous! The Scottish Garden Festival arrives in 2025!
This family-friendly festival takes place in the spacious and scenic Hamilton Park Racecourse, offering a perfect setting for all ages to enjoy.
READ MORE
Biffy Clyro, Young Fathers & Callum Beattie among winners at inaugural Scottish Live Music Awards
The Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA) celebrated the best of Scotland's vibrant live music scene on Thursday night during a prestigious ceremony at Glasgow's Classic Grand Ballroom.
READ MORE
Dogstar Theatre brings Gideon Mack from page to stage
James Robertson's 2006 best-selling novel will be brought to life in early 2025 with a stage adaptation of The Testament of Gideon Mack from Dogstar Theatre Company.
READ MORE
Iconic soft drink is hitting the road with the festive truck the nation has been waiting for
The battle of festive cola trucks has already kicked off between Lidl and Coke - but now the country's most iconic soft drink, IRN-BRU, has joined in!
READ MORE
Thistles spreads festive joy with community Christmas card drive
This festive season, Thistles shopping centre, Stirling partners with esteemed poet Donna Ashworth to combat loneliness this Christmas.
READ MORE
Go Forth Stirling help city streets Sparkle with new Festive Lights
Stirling’s streets have been given extra twinkle and sparkle this winter thanks to an expansion of the city’s festive lighting.
READ MORE
itison founder calls for action to help children who will have nothing this winter
Founder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the 'devastating' level of poverty in Scotland this festive season.
READ MORE
Splash into 2025 with New Year challenge to transform lives
A unique swimming challenge is inviting swimmers to set personal goals and raise funds for a life-changing hydrotherapy pool on behalf of leading disability charity, Capability Scotland.
READ MORE
Cold water reset retreats with Sophie Hellyer debut at Marine Troon
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts launches new series - 'Adventure weekends with Marine & Lawn'.
READ MORE
Pick a tree and enjoy an Afternoon Tea at Dobbies Stirling
Celebrate the festive season with Christmas tree picking and an Afternoon Tea celebration at Dobbies’ Stirling store on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th December.
READ MORE
Enjoy the best of Belfast at Christmas with Stena Line
A beautiful city with a rich history and a giant adventure to be found around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible festive experiences to enjoy in Belfast.
READ MORE
Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur wins Turner Prize 2024
Jasleen Kaur, whose exhibition Alter Altar at Tramway uses a vintage Ford Escort, worship bells and Irn-Bru to celebrate the Scottish Sikh community, has won this year's Turner Prize.
READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals superstar first acts for Glasgow Green 2025
50 Cent, Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, The Script, Fontaines D.C. and Gracie Abrams are included among the much-anticipated first wave of artists announced for Scotland's biggest music event.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, children's rides, stalls, street food and a packed live entertainment schedule makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out!
READ MORE
Brewer gives away free pints to celebrate mockumentary launch
Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn lifts the lid on the beer industry with a mockumentary starring real employees and comedians Paul Dockery and Katie McKenzie.
READ MORE
Christmas tree season arrives at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is marking the official start of the 2024 festive season with its delivery of 50,000 real Christmas trees, available at stores across the UK now.
READ MORE
Glasgow music festival The Reeling announces extended 2025 dates and performances from Dougie Maclean, Eddi Reader and Valtos
A popular trad music festival is set to return in 2025 – and it's adding an extra night due to demand!
READ MORE
Final date added as 30,000 expected at biggest itison Drive In Movies Christmas
itison Drive In Movies Christmas adds final date after unprecedented demand with tickets for Elf & Love Actually on sale on Wednesday 27th November at 7.30am.
READ MORE
Revolutionary swim teaching tool launches in Scotland
A pioneering visual teaching tool has launched across Scotland, making swimming lessons more accessible to everyone.
READ MORE
Festive favourites back on the big screen at Vue in Scotland
To mark the countdown to Christmas, some of the most loved holiday classics are being brought back to the big screen at Vue venues in Scotland this festive season.
READ MORE
Tennis ace Jamie Murray awarded honorary degree by University of Stirling
Jamie Murray received the Honorary Doctorate in recognition for his contribution to Scottish and UK tennis, at Stirling’s winter graduation ceremony on Friday, 22 November.
READ MORE
Asda Foundation supports lonely over 60s this Christmas
Asda and Asda Foundation pledges almost £1 million to help combat loneliness and isolation in the older generation this festive period through its 'Don't be Gnome Alone this Christmas' campaign.
READ MORE
IKEA Christmas tree offer launching in Scotland this month
IKEA is giving shoppers a £20 voucher for every real tree purchased for £29 in its Scottish stores from 23rd November – with pre-orders available now.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is set to sell the cheapest real Christmas trees this festive season
Aldi Scotland announces the return of its freshly cut Nordmann Fir trees, with prices starting from just £13.99.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links