Kyle of Tongue

The Kyle of Tongue is a shallow sea loch in northwest Highland, Scotland. It lies in the western part of Sutherland, with Tongue village on its eastern shore. The loch’s mouth opens into Tongue Bay, and a bridge and causeway cross it. Nearby are the mountains Ben Hope and Ben Loyal, along with several small islands. The area is protected as a National Scenic Area, covering 24,488 hectares of land and sea.

The loch has played a part in Scottish history. Castle Varrich, an old tower on the east side, was once home to Karl Hundason, who tried to conquer Scotland after Malcolm II’s death. In 1746, a naval battle took place here during Bonnie Prince Charlie’s rebellion. A Jacobite ship carrying French gold was chased and defeated by a British frigate, preventing the gold from reaching the Prince’s army.

The Kyle’s geography includes sandy stretches and shallow channels, with depths ranging from five to eighteen fathoms. Salmon, sea trout, whales and otters live in or near the water. The hills around are covered in meadows, heath and moorland, home to many bird species. Golden eagles, hen harriers and short-eared owls fly over the area, while greylag geese and divers feed along the shores.