Loch Buie facts for kids

Loch Buie (which means "yellow loch" in Scottish Gaelic) is a special kind of bay called a sea loch. It's located on the south coast of the Isle of Mull, which is an island off the west coast of Scotland. This deep bay opens up into a larger body of water called the Firth of Lorn.

At the very end of Loch Buie, you'll find a small village that shares its name, Lochbuie. You can reach this village by a small road that connects to the main A849 road at a place called Ardura.

What's Around Loch Buie?

Loch Buie has a few small islands and rocky areas close to its shore. The biggest of these is Eilean Mor. You can even walk to Eilean Mor from the mainland of Mull when the tide is low.

Not far from the loch, you can also see Moy Castle. This old castle adds to the history of the area.

Shorelines and Caves

Around the loch, especially on its southeastern side, there are wide, flat areas of land called shore platforms. These platforms are found below a place called Laggan Deer Forest. Many caves are hidden at the back of these platforms, including one known as Uaimh nan Taillearan. At the very end of the loch, you'll find nice sandy beaches.

The Rocks of Loch Buie

The cliffs on either side of Loch Buie are made from basalt lava flows. These rocks were formed a very, very long time ago during a period called the Palaeogene age. You can also see many dark, rock formations called dolerite dykes cutting through the cliffs.

At the head of the loch, the rocks are different. Here, you'll find types of rock called granophyres and gabbro. Even though you can't see it on the surface, scientists believe that the famous Great Glen Fault runs underneath Loch Buie and the nearby Loch Spelve. A fault is like a giant crack in the Earth's crust where rocks have moved.