A quiet loch south of Inverness has become the focus of a heartfelt conservation effort and the public has rallied behind it.
Loch Ruthven near Farr is one of the last remaining strongholds of the Slavonian Grebe, a rare and striking bird found nowhere else in the UK during breeding season.
For years the loch supported an average of 13 breeding pairs, but that number has now dropped to just 3.
In response, The Highland Council asked the public for views on a proposal to limit water-based activities at the east end of the loch between 1 March and 31 August.
The aim is to protect the birds during their most vulnerable months.
The consultation closed on 16 May, with 239 people sharing their thoughts.
An overwhelming 88 percent of respondents agreed that the proposal was fair and sensible.
Many called for further research into the causes of the birds’ decline and stressed the importance of raising public awareness.
Only 15 people opposed the idea.
Some cited concerns about their rights to fish the loch, although those private rights are not affected.
Others felt the impact of swimmers and paddleboarders had not been proven, but even among critics, there was broad agreement on the need for education and respectful access.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (Scotland), which manages the land at the loch’s east end, will continue to monitor activity.
Its team of rangers and volunteers will also speak with visitors to explain the guidance and why it matters.
Plans are underway for a more detailed study into the long-term decline of the grebes.
This will help assess whether the restrictions are making a real difference.
Paddle sports clubs and organisations were among those who voiced their support, highlighting a shared desire to protect the loch’s wildlife.
The Highland Council will now promote the message that people should avoid swimming, paddleboarding or canoeing at the east end of the loch until the end of August 2025.
The success of the scheme will be reviewed after next year’s breeding season.
The message is simple.
Give them space, and we may just give them a future.
