Eas of Auchness
The Eas of Auchness is a secluded waterfall located in the remote and atmospheric Glen Lossie in the Moray region of Scotland. This waterfall is formed by the Burn of Auchness, a tributary stream that flows through the forested and moorland terrain characteristic of this part of the Scottish Highlands. The burn itself originates from the higher elevations of the surrounding hills, gathering water from the peaty slopes and numerous small tributaries that feed it as it descends towards the River Lossie. The waterfall represents one of several cascades found along the watercourses in this relatively unspoiled glen, though it remains less well-known than some of Scotland's more famous falls.
Glen Lossie lies to the south of Elgin in Moray, an area underlain primarily by metamorphic rocks including schists and quartzites that date back to the Precambrian and early Paleozoic eras. These ancient rocks form the geological foundation of much of the Grampian Highlands, and their erosion-resistant nature has helped shape the characteristic steep-sided glens and tumbling watercourses of the region. The Burn of Auchness cuts through these rock layers as it descends, creating the falls where harder bands of rock create natural steps or where geological weaknesses have allowed the water to carve out deeper channels. The surrounding landscape bears the marks of glaciation from the last ice age, with the U-shaped valley profile and scattered erratic boulders providing evidence of the massive ice sheets that once covered this region.
The forest and moorland habitat surrounding the Eas of Auchness supports a diverse array of Scottish wildlife typical of upland glens. Red deer are common in the area, often seen grazing on the hillsides or moving through the forest cover, while roe deer prefer the woodland edges. The coniferous plantations that cover much of Glen Lossie provide habitat for species such as red squirrels, pine martens, and various woodland birds including crossbills, siskins, and capercaillie in suitable areas. The burns themselves may support brown trout and other freshwater species, while dippers and grey wagtails are often observed along the watercourses, feeding in the fast-flowing streams and around the waterfall's plunge pool.
Access to the Eas of Auchness requires some effort, as it lies within a working forest landscape managed for timber production. The area is crossed by forestry tracks and paths that provide walking routes through Glen Lossie, though visitors should be aware that these tracks are primarily maintained for forest management purposes rather than recreation. The waterfall can be reached by following the Burn of Auchness upstream from lower in the glen, though the terrain can be rough and may require crossing boggy ground and navigating through dense vegetation in places. Those planning to visit should come prepared with appropriate footwear and clothing for Scottish Highland conditions, as the weather in this upland area can change rapidly and the ground is often wet underfoot.
The name "Auchness" derives from the Gaelic "achadh," meaning field or meadow, suggesting that there may once have been cleared agricultural land in this area, though much of the glen is now afforested. Like many Highland glens, Glen Lossie would have supported small settlements and shieling sites in earlier centuries, where communities practiced transhumance, moving their livestock to higher pastures in summer. The depopulation of the Highlands following the Clearances and the subsequent establishment of large estates and forestry operations have transformed the landscape, but place names like Auchness preserve echoes of this earlier human presence. The area falls within what was historically Moray, a region with its own distinct history and cultural traditions within Scotland.
The wider Glen Lossie area has long been associated with outdoor recreation, particularly fishing on the River Lossie and its tributaries, and walking through the forests and hills. While the Eas of Auchness itself is not a major tourist destination, it offers a rewarding objective for those seeking quieter corners of the Scottish Highlands away from the more heavily visited sites. The relative obscurity of the waterfall means that visitors are likely to enjoy a sense of solitude and an opportunity to experience the natural character of a Highland glen without the crowds that gather at more accessible locations.