The lochs contain a number of islands. A small island in the White Loch (Innysmacrinyl AD1415) gave the parish the name ‘the Inch’ or ‘Inche’ or ‘Insche’ (Gaelic ‘innis’) otherwise ‘island’.

Amongst the islands on the Black Loch is a Crannog, a type of ancient loch-dwelling found throughout Scotland and Ireland dating from 2,500 years ago. An important part of Scottish heritage, they were built out in the water as defensive homesteads and represented symbols of power and wealth.

The White Loch is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its overwintering wildfowl and fresh eutrophic water that support rare invertebrate fauna and flora.

View over the White Loch to Lochinch Castle

Autumn colour on the Black Loch

View across the Black Loch to sculptured earthwork ‘Mount Marlborough’

Seat with a view, Black Loch

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Castle Kennedy Gardens between the Black and White Lochs