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Firth facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

A firth is a special word used in English and Scots to describe different kinds of coastal waters in the United Kingdom, especially in Scotland. Think of it as a wide bay or a large arm of the sea that reaches inland. In the Northern Isles of Scotland, like Orkney and Shetland, a firth can also mean a smaller inlet of the sea.

The word "firth" is related to "fjord", which you might know from places like Norway. Both words come from an old language called Proto-Germanic. While fjords are usually long, narrow, and steep-sided inlets carved by glaciers, firths can be a bit different. They are often wider and more open.

Many firths were formed by glaciers during the Ice Age. They are often found where a large river meets the sea. The strong tides from the ocean push seawater up the river, making the riverbed wider and forming an estuary. Sometimes, it's hard to tell exactly where a river ends and a firth begins. For example, the Firth of Clyde starts where the River Clyde gets much wider near Port Glasgow.

While many firths are wide river mouths, some are different. The Cromarty Firth looks more like a large loch (a Scottish lake or sea inlet) with a narrow opening to the sea. The Solway Firth and Moray Firth are more like very large bays. The Pentland Firth is actually a strait, which is a narrow passage of water connecting two larger bodies of water, rather than a bay or inlet.

Exploring Scotland's Firths

Scotland has many famous firths, especially along its east and west coasts.

Firths on Scotland's West Coast

These firths are found along the rugged west coast of Scotland, facing the Atlantic Ocean.

Firth of Lorn

The Firth of Lorn is the northernmost firth on the west coast. It connects to the Moray Firth on the east coast through a series of lochs and canals, including the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness.

FirthofLornmap
The Firth of Lorn and other nearby waterways

Firth of Clyde

The Firth of Clyde is a large and important firth that continues from the River Clyde estuary. It's a busy area with many towns and islands.

Solway Firth

The Solway Firth is a large inlet that forms part of the border between Scotland and England. Rivers like the Eden, Esk, and River Nith flow into it.

River Nith estuary
The estuary of the River Nith, opening into Solway Firth south of Dumfries.

Firths on Scotland's East Coast

These firths are connected to, or form part of, the North Sea.

Dornoch Firth

The Dornoch Firth is the northernmost of the eastern firths.

Cromarty Firth

The Cromarty Firth is a loch-like firth with a narrow opening to the sea. It flows into the larger Moray Firth.

Cromarty Firth entrance
Entrance to the Cromarty Firth, with oil rigs behind

Moray Firth and Beauly Firth

The Moray Firth is a large triangular inlet. The Beauly Firth is a smaller, loch-like firth connected to it. The Moray Firth also connects to the Firth of Inverness (which is rarely named on modern maps) and then via the River Ness and Caledonian Canal to the west coast.

Firth of Tay

The Firth of Tay is the estuary of the River Tay, one of Scotland's longest rivers.

Dundee from Tay
Dundee from the Fife shore of the Firth of Tay

Firth of Forth

The Firth of Forth is the estuary of the River Forth. It is famous for its bridges.

Firths on Scotland's North Coast

Pentland Firth

The Pentland Firth is a strait, not a bay or inlet. It lies between the Scottish mainland and the Orkney Islands, connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. It is known for its strong currents.

PentlandFirthMap
Map of the Pentland Firth and associated lands

Firths in the Northern Isles

The Northern Isles (Orkney and Shetland) were once part of Norway, so many of their place names have Norse origins. In these islands, "firth" can refer to smaller inlets, similar to "geo," "voe," or "wick."

Orkney Islands

Saviskaill cliffs
Cliffs in Saviskaill Bay on Rousay, looking northward to Westray across Westray Firth

Shetland Islands

  • Lax Firth (Laxfirth)
  • Collafirth/Colla Firth
  • Firths Voe, Firth
  • Whale Firth
  • Burrafirth

English Firths

The most well-known firth in England is the Solway Firth, which we already mentioned as it borders Scotland.

Firths Outside Britain

Sometimes, the word "firth" is used for similar bodies of water in other parts of the world, often in places with historical links to Britain.

Coromandel.arp.375pix
The Firth of Thames is the large bay to the southeast

Images for kids

See also

In Spanish: Firth para niños

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