Loch Seaforth facts for kids
Loch Seaforth (which means Scottish Gaelic: Loch Shiphoirt or Shìophoirt in Scottish Gaelic) is a special type of loch called a "sea loch." This means it's an arm of the sea that reaches inland, a bit like a fjord. You can find it in the Outer Hebrides, a group of islands off the coast of Scotland. This loch is quite interesting because it has three different sections, each pointing in a different direction!
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Loch Seaforth: A Scottish Sea Loch
Loch Seaforth is located in the Outer Hebrides, a chain of islands on the west coast of Scotland. It's a "sea loch," which means it's connected to the ocean and has saltwater, unlike many freshwater lochs. Its waters are home to various marine life, and its shores are rugged and beautiful.
A Loch with a Unique Shape
This loch isn't just a straight line of water. It has three main parts:
- The section closest to the sea runs from northwest to southeast.
- The middle part turns and goes from northeast to southwest.
- The innermost section, furthest inland, runs from east to west.
This unique shape makes it a very interesting natural feature. You'll also find Seaforth Island right in the middle of the loch, where it makes its turn towards the northeast.
Where Lewis Meets Harris
For a long time, Loch Seaforth has been an important natural boundary. The southern part of the loch, near a place called Bowglass, marks the border between two parts of the Outer Hebrides: Lewis and Harris, Outer Hebrides. These are two distinct areas on the same large island. Until 1975, the loch also separated two traditional Scottish counties: Ross and Cromarty and Inverness-shire.
Villages Around the Loch
Several small communities and villages are nestled along the shores of Loch Seaforth.
- The village of Rhenigidale is located close to the mouth of the loch.
- Maaruig is found on Loch Maraig, which is a smaller bay connected to the western side of Loch Seaforth.
- Further along, you'll find settlements around small bays at Ardvourlie.
- The crofting township of Arivruaich is beside another bay known as Tob Cheann Tarabhaigh.
- The very end of the loch is about 5 kilometers (3 miles) further east, at a spot called Ceann Shiphoirt.
The loch also forms the entire western coast of the Pairc peninsula, which is a fairly isolated area.
Ships Named Loch Seaforth
The name "Loch Seaforth" isn't just for the loch itself; it has also been given to two important ships that served the Western Isles.
The First MV Loch Seaforth (1947-1972)
The first ship named MV Loch Seaforth was a mailboat built in 1947. It was operated by MacBrayne, a well-known Scottish shipping company. This ship was very important for connecting the town of Stornoway (on Lewis) with the mainland ports of Mallaig and Kyle of Lochalsh. It served these routes for many years, from 1947 until 1972. Sadly, on March 22, 1973, the ship ran aground on Cleit Rock in the Sound of Gunna, which is between the islands of Tiree and Coll. After this accident, it was decided the ship could not be repaired, and it was taken apart for scrap.
The New MV Loch Seaforth (2015-Present)
The name "Loch Seaforth" was given to a brand new car ferry that started service in 2015. This modern ship is operated by Calmac, another major Scottish ferry company. It now sails on the important route between Ullapool on the mainland and Stornoway on Lewis, carrying cars, passengers, and goods.
