Calder, a hamlet and a loch of NW Caithness. The hamlet, to the E of the lake, is 6½ miles SSW of Thurso, under which it has a post office; whilst a public school at it, with accommodation for 120 children, had (1879) an average attendance of 43, and a grant of £59,3s. 6d. The loch, lying mainly in Halkirk, but partly in Reay parish, at 205 feet above sea-level, has an extreme length and breadth of 2³/8 miles and 7½ furlongs; presents a pleasing appearance from its striking contrast to the mossy and heathy lands which surround it; and contains abundance of good trout and little char.

(F.H. Groome, Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland (1882-4); © 2004 Gazetteer for Scotland)