Loch Eye

Loch Eye is a shallow freshwater loch on Scotland’s east coast, near the Moray, Dornoch and Cromarty firths. It lies between rolling farmland and low hills in the Highlands. The loch covers 205 hectares and is protected for its wildlife. Since 1986 it has held three conservation designations: Ramsar Site, Special Protection Area and Site of Special Scientific Interest. Its nutrient-rich waters make it one of the most important eutrophic lochs north of the Highland boundary fault. The site is internationally recognised for its winter waterfowl. Each year it hosts large numbers of whooper swans and Icelandic greylag geese. These birds travel from Iceland to feed on the loch’s abundant plants and seeds. Smaller flocks of wigeon, teal and pochard also gather here. The loch’s shallow edges and rich mudflats provide ideal feeding grounds. Visitors walk a path around the southern and eastern shores. The route offers views across the water to distant hills and farmland. Benches along the way let people sit and watch the birds. In winter the scene is dominated by the calls and movements of thousands of geese and swans. In summer dragonflies dart over the reeds and wildflowers colour the banks.