The siting and design of aquaculture in the landscape: visual and ...

In these relatively narrow, intimate lochs the simplicity, scale and
expanse of the water surface is important. Too many water-based
structures or one large development can quickly lead to overcrowding,
and divert views away from the central loch space.
3.4 Steep-sided narrow lochs
3.4.1 Key characteristics
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The coastline is dominated by steep mountain or hillsides which plunge into the sea, creating a
sense of drama.
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The steep-sided topography can create dense shadow, and the sheltered, often calm waters
offer opportunities for distinct reflections.
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Often this character type is dominated by the sense of enclosure and intimacy, emphasised by
the verticality of the surrounding landform.
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Views are drawn along the length of, or directly across, the loch, rather than along the hilltops.
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The coastline of these lochs can be relatively simple, with few indentations.
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Roads often approach these lochs over high passes, giving elevated views, or are tucked along
the loch-side, constrained by the steep landform, resulting in low-level views directly across the
loch.
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Bridges crossing rivers at the head of the loch are often focal points in the landscape, and act
as key viewpoints, too.
Here development relates clearly to one side of the loch, so as not to subdivide the central loch space or visual focus along
loch length.
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