The wildlife of Loch Shiel

Black-throated divers are listed by the European Commission under the Wild Birds Directive as being of special conservation importance. At the south-western limit of their European range, Britain has about 180 breeding pairs, all in north west Scotland. With its boldly patterned black and white plumage, haunting call and superb swimming ability, the black-throated diver a striking and easily identifiable bird. They spend the winter at sea, sheltering on waters close to the coast, but for breeding they need large, nutrient poor, freshwater lochs at low altitude.

As one of the best examples of such a loch, Loch Shiel is ideal. It supports an average of three pairs of black-throated divers, with successful breeding recorded over the last 25 years well above the national average.