Loch Shin, Scotland, United Kingdom

Loch Shin is a long and narrow glacial lake located in County Sutherland, part of the Scottish Highlands. This freshwater loch measures about 17.5 miles (28.2-kilometers) long with a maximum width of only one mile (2.2 kilometers). Loch Shin is oriented in a general northwest to southeast direction, with the head of the loch among the hills and the foot of the loch leading to the more…
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    • All About Loch Shin, Scotland

    Lake Locations: United Kingdom - Scotland, United Kingdom - Highlands & Moray Region, Scotland -

    Loch Shin is a long and narrow glacial lake located in County Sutherland, part of the Scottish Highlands. This freshwater loch measures about 17.5 miles (28.2-kilometers) long with a maximum width of only one mile (2.2 kilometers). Loch Shin is oriented in a general northwest to southeast direction, with the head of the loch among the hills and the foot of the loch leading to the more populous area of Lairg, located at the eastern end. Although depths plunge to a maximum of 162 feet (49.3 meters), with an average depth of 51 feet (15.5 meters), Loch Shin is considered relatively shallow for a Scottish glacial lake.

    Beauty and serenity envelop Loch Shin. The vibrant woodlands extend fully to the edge of the water in many areas, and the loch is surrounded by breathtaking natural views. Ben More Assynt is a Munro (a term for a mountain that exceeds 3,000 feet [914.4 meters] in height) just to the west of Loch Shin, its height an impressive 3,273 feet (997.6 meters). The north side of the loch is more accessible due to its proximity to the main road in the area, which follows along much of the shoreline, gracing visitors with placid views of the lake and local wildlife, including otters, pine martens, wildcats and waterfowl.

    The Falls of Shin are a very popular natural attraction, featuring a rocky gorge with a 20-foot (6-meter) drop to a very deep pool. After the waterfalls, the water becomes calm once again. The Falls of Shin are situated 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) from Lairg to the southeast on the River Shin. The falls can be reached via wooden walkways, and parking is available nearby on the southern shore area. Viewing platforms have been erected to give visitors an excellent opportunity to watch powerful salmon of all sizes leap against the falls in spawning season. For the patient and the lucky, photo opportunities can be one of a kind.

    It should go without saying, then, that this loch is popular for salmon fishing. There is also a plentiful population of wild brown trout and char. Swimming, boating, rafting, water skiing and other assorted water sports are always at the ready in the mild seasons. The Lairg Dam, located at the foot of the loch in Ross-shire, was constructed in the 1950s and began functioning in 1957; the impact on Loch Shin was an increase of more than 30 feet (9.1 meters) in depth. Little Loch Shin, the small regulating reservoir that Loch Shin flows into, is especially popular for water activities. About 6 miles (9.7 kilometers) south of the town of Lairg is the Shin power station at Invernan, which receives the water from the reservoir through 5 miles (8 kilometers) of tunnels. After Little Loch Shin, the water forms the River Shin, a small river only 7 miles (11.3 kilometers) in length. This river feeds into the Dornoch Firth and then drains to the North Sea.

    Lairg is a traditionally popular vacation destination, as its central location leaves trips to other points in Scotland a moderate distance away. Lairg is only an hour from Inverness by car. Although Lairg is a small town with a population of around 1,200, it is a hub of activity for locations north of Inverness. Roads from every direction converge on this town, which is located on the southeast shore of Loch Shin. With the rail station found only a mile south of Lairg, the town is accessible to locals and travelers alike, and all modern needs can be found in this little mountain village. The climate and geography of this area has made it central to Scotland’s sheep farming industry. The rail station is part of the Far North Line, and its location has made Lairg a convenient area for auctioning of sheep, which typically occurs in August. In fact, the Lairg area is one of the largest sheep auctioning centers in the British Isles.

    In Lairg, a variety of restaurants and shops sit ready to charm holiday-makers, as do the local pubs and other small establishments. Lodges, guesthouses and bed and breakfasts provide overnight accommodations in the area. Vacations rentals are available in the form of isolated cabins, holiday bungalows and self-catering accommodations, including campsites and caravans, beyond the traditional cottages and holiday lodge rentals. Real estate is available for those wishing to purchase a holiday home or create a dream retirement lodge in the Scottish Highlands.

    If there is one area of County Sutherland to visit, the area around Loch Shin is a wonderful choice–for its natural beauty, diverse surroundings and proximity to other popular and renowned vacation destinations in Scotland.

    Things to Do at Loch Shin

    These are some activities in the Loch Shin, Scotland area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Water Skiing
    • Camping
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Waterfall
    • Wildlife Viewing

    What Kind of Fish Are in Loch Shin?

    Loch Shin has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Brown Trout
    • Char
    • Salmon
    • Trout
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    Find Places to Stay at Loch Shin

    If you’re considering a Loch Shin lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Loch Shin Vacation

    Our interactive Loch Shin lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Loch Shin Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Scottish and Southern Energy

    Surface Area: 5,570 acres

    Shoreline Length: 38 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 270 feet

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 268 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 276 feet

    Average Depth: 51 feet

    Maximum Depth: 162 feet

    Water Volume: 284,206 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1957

    Lake Area-Population: 1,200

    Drainage Area: 158 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Mesotrophic

    Loch Shin Map

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