Loch of Blairs is approximately 11 hectares in area and sits in the north-western area of Altyre Estate , lying close to the town of Forres in Moray.  With easy access from the Forres to Grantown (A940) road and the minor road which connects the A940 to Mannachie Road at Dallas Dhu distillery the loch is also only 1.65km from the national footpath The Dava Way.

Once used as a trout fishery by anglers in the area the availability of boat hire ceased in around 2005.  Since then the loch has sat quietly in its surroundings, becoming an almost secret gem of a destination for dog walkers and bird watchers who are “in the know” of the tracks and trails around its perimeter.

Over 70% of the perimeter of the loch became overgrown with excessive Phragmites reed growth that prohibited access to the water but which is important habitat for wildlife.  Around 50% of the shoreline was also inaccessible due to dense infestation by Rhododendrons. The loch had become overloaded with nutrients (Eutrophication) that supported very heavy aquatic weed growth due to diffuse pollution from adjacent farmland and lack of maintenance.

The lack of use of the loch for out door activities has led to mother nature getting a little too much out of control! With careful restoration the loch will be brought back into balance and become a natural refuge for wildlife and beautiful amenity for the local community.

For more information about the history of  the Loch click the following link > History

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