Loch Creran

Loch Creran is a sea loch on Scotland’s west coast in Argyll and Bute. It stretches about ten kilometres from Invercreran at its head to the Lynn of Lorne on Loch Linnhe. The loch divides Benderloch to the south from Appin to the north, with Eriska island marking its mouth. The A828 road crosses the loch at Creagan, its narrowest point. Barcaldine village sits on the southern shore near the loch’s wider basin. The loch’s shape creates strong tidal currents through the shallows at Eriska and Creagan. These currents feed beds of flame shell and horse mussel that carpet the seabed. Between these shallow zones lie deeper, calmer waters where Norway lobster and seapen grow. In 2014 the whole loch, covering twelve square kilometres, became a Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area. Fishing gear that could harm the seabed is banned, but rod fishing and creeling remain allowed. At the loch’s head stands Glasdrum Wood, a national nature reserve managed by Scottish Natural Heritage. This oak and ash wood is recognised as a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It shelters rare butterflies such as the chequered skipper and is visited by otters. The River Creran flows into the loch beside this reserve, adding fresh water to the salt.