The loch is one of several kettle holes in the Newtonmore area. These were formed when ice from receding glaciers became trapped in hollows and then melted.

Imrich is a Gaelic word meaning flitting or removal. The loch was part of the route local crofters took with their cattle when they moved every summer to the shielings – summer pastures in higher ground above the village.

The loch was used as a curling pond and on a winter’s night 50-60 men might be curling there. Loch Imrich was also very popular with children for skating and sledging. They were not allowed onto the loch until Mr Thomson, the retired minister, had checked if the ice was thick enough. Children would sledge down the slope from the road and right across the loch – a practice which did not go down well with the curlers.

The last curling match on the loch is believed to have been held around 1996 and the loch is now a peaceful place for walking.

Grey herons, ducks and other wildfowl can be seen there.