Loch of Skene, lake dammed as a reservoir in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, UK, outflows south to Leuchar Burn
Loch of Skene is a large, shallow body of water in Aberdeenshire with reeds and birch and willow trees lining its shores. A dam at the southern end creates a reservoir that sits about 85 meters (279 feet) above sea level and stretches for around 14 kilometers (9 miles) of shoreline.
The loch historically powered mills for cloth making until the mill closed in the early 1900s. Later, it served to generate electricity for the area, showing how the water shifted from one industrial purpose to another over time.
The name comes from Scottish Gaelic and refers to the shallow nature of the water. Today, locals use the loch mainly for bird watching and quiet walks, especially during colder months when geese and ducks arrive from other regions.
The loch sits on flat ground and is easy to walk around, with simple paths along the shores that work for visitors of all ages. Fishing is possible with a permit, and the quiet setting works well for bird watching and relaxed walks.
The water is a Ramsar site and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, highlighting its protection for wildlife. This recognition draws visitors eager to spot rare species like greylag geese with orange beaks and goldeneye ducks during the colder seasons.
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