A small and shallow loch in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Loch Kinord lies between Loch Davan and the River Dee, 5 miles (8 km) east of Ballater. Also known as Cannor, it is said to have taken its name from a hunting seat of Malcolm Canmore that was located on the largest of its islets. A smaller islet began as a crannog (prehistoric lake-dwelling). The loch formed in a kettle-hole, remaining after glaciers covered this area. Its level was lowered in the early 19th C. and, in 1888, it was modified once again to become a reservoir to provide hydro-electric power to Dinnet House. Loch Kinord now has an average depth of 2m (6½ feet). It now forms part of the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve. Loch Kinord is also designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site because it supports internationally important numbers of wintering geese and wildfowl, including Mute and Whooper Swans, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal and Tufted Duck, Pochard and Goosander. Otters are also present.
