Lochan na Lairige

Lochan na Lairige is a small hydroelectric dam located on the southern slopes of Ben Lawers, the highest mountain in the southern Scottish Highlands at 1,214 meters (3,983 feet). It sits in Perth and Kinross, Scotland, at coordinates approximately 56°31′45″N 4°16′46″W, north of Loch Tay, and is part of the Grampian Mountains. Accessible via the A827 road near the village of Lawers, it lies on the watershed between the River Tay and River Lyon, within the Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon National Scenic Area. Nearby peaks include Beinn Ghlas, Meall Garbh, and Meall Corranaich, all Munros. Another notable mineral locality nearby is Tomnadashan mine near Killin, known for historical mining attempts and its cultural fame from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

The shoreline boulders at Lochan na Lairige yield a variety of minerals, including Pyrite (fool’s gold), Goethite, Magnetite, Ilmenite, Quartz (including Smoky Quartz), Rutile, Almandine (a red Garnet), Titanite, Clinochlore, and other Garnet Group members. These minerals, especially the less common Rutile and Almandine, are particularly exciting for collectors due to their variety and the unique setting.

The area’s geology is dominated by metamorphic schist from the Dalradian Supergroup, formed by the transformation of clay-rich sedimentary rocks or volcanic tuffs under heat and pressure. This process explains the presence of minerals like Garnet and Chlorite, exposed in boulders along the dam, reflecting ancient geological activity.

Lochan na Lairige lacks a traditional mining history, being a hydroelectric dam constructed in the 1950s. Minerals are found in natural boulder exposures, likely revealed during dam construction, and are collected by enthusiasts rather than mined commercially.

Ben Lawers, including Lochan na Lairige, has a rich cultural tapestry. Its Scottish Gaelic name, Beinn Labhair (“mountain of the loud stream”), reflects its natural features. Evidence of Bronze Age settlements, including cup and ring marks on boulders, and ruins of early farming cottages and sheilings, highlight its prehistoric and historical significance. Ownership passed through clans like MacMillan and Campbells, with early ascents recorded from the 16th century, including a notable but removed 1878 summit cairn.

Designated a National Nature Reserve since 1964, covering 44.4 km², Ben Lawers is also a Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest. Its schist rocks and high elevation support arctic-alpine flora like alpine forget-me-not and roseroot, with conservation efforts for Mountain Sandwort. Over 430 lichen species thrive here, and fauna include ravens, golden eagles, and wildcats, enhancing its ecological appeal.