Mochrum Loch

A shallow loch in Dumfries and Galloway, Mochrum Loch lies on the Gargrie Moor, 2 miles (3 km) north of Eldrig. Extending to 91.7 ha (225.6 acres), the average depth is approximately 2.1m (7 feet). There are a number of small islands and islets in the loch, the larger of which are named; the Kid Islands, Scart Islands, Gargrie Island, Long Island, Round Island, Rowan Island and Scar Island. The names Scar and Scart derive from sgarbh in Gaelic or skarfr in Norse, both meaning 'cormorant', and indeed these islets host breeding cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo), a colony which extends from the neighbouring Castle Loch. At the northern end of the loch stand the 15th-16th century towers of the Old Place of Mochrum, which was restored after 1873 by successive Marquesses of Bute.

The loch and surrounding area are designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).


Use the tabs on the right of this page to see other parts of this entry arrow

If you have found this information useful please consider making
a donation to help maintain and improve this resource. More info...

By using our site you agree to accept cookies, which help us serve you better