Falls of Shin – Lairg, Scotland - Atlas Obscura
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Falls of Shin

Lairg, Scotland

This man-made waterfall was designed to help improve access for spawning salmon.  

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Salmon making the leap up the falls. katielou106 (Atlas Obscura User)
Salmon making the leap up the falls. katielou106 (Atlas Obscura User)
Salmon mosaic at the Falls of Shin. katielou106 (Atlas Obscura User)
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The Falls of Shin is a beautiful waterfall located along the River Shin, not far from the villages of Bonar Bridge and Lairg.

What makes this waterfall so unique is that despite its magnificent natural surroundings, the Falls of Shin were human-made. They were designed when the area was dynamited to improve access during the summer months for spawning salmon returning from the ocean. There is a viewing platform at the side of the river, which is a great place to watch salmon leap past the rapids. 

The nearby visitor center has a wealth of information about the life cycle of salmon and what makes these fish so special. It provides an interesting read for visitors before venturing to the falls. 

Know Before You Go

The Falls of Shin has a large car park at the visitor center and is a short walk down the river bank.

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katielou106
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Published
November 23, 2020
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