Fort Augustus is a settlement in the parish of Boleskine and Abertarff, at the south-west end of Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands. The village has a population of around 646 (2001). Its economy is heavily reliant on tourism.
Swing bridge and locks at Fort Augustus
Locks on the Caledonian Canal in Fort Augustus, looking towards Loch Ness
Section of dismantled railway south of Fort Augustus
Loch Ness is a large freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands extending for approximately 37 kilometres southwest of Inverness. It takes its name from the River Ness, which flows from the northern end. Loch Ness is best known for claimed sightings of the cryptozoological Loch Ness Monster, also known affectionately as "Nessie". It is one of a series of interconnected, murky bodies of water in Scotland; its water visibility is exceptionally low due to the high peat content of the surrounding soil. The southern end connects to Loch Oich by the River Oich and a section of the Caledonian Canal. The northern end connects to Loch Dochfour via the River Ness, which then ultimately leads to the North Sea via the Moray Firth.
With Urquhart Castle in the foreground
Urquhart Bay and Loch Ness viewed from Grant's Tower at Urquhart Castle
Locks on Caledonian Canal in Fort Augustus, Loch Ness in the background
Loch Ness looking south, taken in May 2006.