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 Lanarkshire News
Vue to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary
Film fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.
READ MORE
Kids Fly FareFREE on new Loganair routes
Families can take advantage of Loganair's new Kids Fly Fare-FREE offer, allowing children aged 11 and under to travel without paying an airfare.
READ MORE
Waddle over for a weekend of fun at New Lanark this Bank Holiday
New Lanark is thrilled to announce the return of its most popular family event – the Duck Festival!
READ MORE
Lorraine Kelly meets the Loch Ness Monster Milker delivering Nessie Nectar across the UK
IRN-BRU XTRA has launched a custom milk float delivery service bringing limited-edition Nessie Nectar straight from the shores of Loch Ness to doors across the UK.
READ MORE
Time to get messy at M&Ds
M&D's Scotland's Theme Park is set to host Messy Play events for ASN supported families in May and June.
READ MORE
Safety and family time driving surge in adult swim lessons
Scottish adults are being encouraged to learn to swim this summer to boost water safety skills for the whole family.
READ MORE
New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers
A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.
READ MORE
David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month
Audiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
The Royal Yacht Britannia Exhibition and Retail Experience are shipshape and ready to welcome visitors
2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.
READ MORE
Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical
Pavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.
READ MORE
Cineworld announces first ever 4DX Family Day
For one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.
READ MORE
Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates
Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.
READ MORE
Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience
This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.
READ MORE
East Kilbride film fanatic honoured at London ceremony
Martin Durning (31) of East Kilbride was presented with a Movie Munchies Award at the inaugural ODEON Extras awards in London on Wednesday 30th April.
READ MORE
Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes
Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.
READ MORE
Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland
The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.
READ MORE
Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open
Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!
READ MORE
Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15
To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.
READ MORE
This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!
Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!
READ MORE
Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.
READ MORE
Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.
READ MORE
Amazonia celebrates cracking Easter arrival
Staff at Amazonia, a temperature controlled tropical indoor attraction within M&D's Scotland's Theme Park, received a special surprise with the arrival of the first ever hatched red footed tortoise.
READ MORE
New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday
Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.
READ MORE
New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.
READ MORE
Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity
The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.
READ MORE
Hat trick of nominations for M&Ds
M&D's Scotland's Theme Park has been nominated for three awards at the Scottish Entertainment & Hospitality Awards.
READ MORE
Aldi brings their famous Supermarket Sweep to East Kilbride
Aldi Scotland's Supermarket Sweep challenge is back again for another year, giving customers in East Kilbride the chance to raise funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next weekend with a supersized celebration
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April for its biggest event yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before!
READ MORE
Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden
The National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.
READ MORE
Love Your Lawn with Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links