Loch Sween facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loch Sween MPA |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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The tidal islet of Eilean Mhartan in the inner loch, with the Paps of Jura in the distance
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 Loch Sween MPA
Location in Argyll and Bute
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| Location | Argyll and Bute, Scotland |
| Area | 4,100 ha (16 sq mi) |
| Designation | Scottish Government |
| Established | 2014 |
| Operator | Marine Scotland |
Loch Sween (also known as Scottish Gaelic: Loch Suain or Loch Suibhne) is a beautiful sea loch in Scotland. It is located near Lochgilphead in Argyll and Bute. A loch is a Scottish word for a lake or a sea inlet.
On the southern side of the loch, you can find Castle Sween. This old castle sits close to where the loch meets the sea. On the northern side is the village of Tayvallich. This village is a popular spot for boats because it is in a calm, sheltered area called Loch a' Bhealaich.
Contents
Exploring Loch Sween's Shape
Loch Sween has a very interesting and twisty shape. It stretches from the southwest to the northeast. The inner part of the loch, towards the east, has many smaller inlets.
Different Inlets
- Caol Scotnish: This is a very narrow, long arm of the loch. It reaches far north and east.
- Loch a' Bhealaich: This inlet is located to the south and west of Caol Scotnish.
- Loch Craiglin: A small inlet on the south side of the inner loch. It has a bridge across it.
- Bàgh na h-Araich Glaise: This is a larger inlet that leads to the village of Achnamara.
- Linne Mhuirich: A long, narrow inlet found about halfway down the loch on the north side.
- Ceann an t-Sàilein: This bay is at the western end of the loch. It sits between the Island of Danna and the main loch. Danna Island is now connected to the mainland by a causeway. In the past, small boats could travel from Loch Sween into Loch na Cille to the north.
Islands of Loch Sween
Loch Sween has several islands, mostly along its northern shore.
Northern Shore Islands
- Near Danna: Close to Danna Island, you'll find smaller islets like Eilean à Chapuill, Eilean nan Uan, and Liath Eilean.
- Farther East: The low-lying Ulva Islands and Taynish Island are located further east.
- Fairy Islands: These islands, including Eilean a' Bhrein, are in another inlet to the north.
- Eilean na Circe: This island is in the Caol Scotnish inlet. It has the remains of an old "fortified dwelling."
Southern Shore Islands
- Cala and Eilean Loain: These islands are on the southern shore, further east.
- Eilean Mhartan: This is a tidal island, meaning it can be reached on foot at low tide. It's in the Araich Glaise inlet, along with tiny Sgeir Dubh.
Amazing Marine Life
Loch Sween is home to a variety of interesting sea creatures and habitats.
Underwater Habitats
- Maerl Beds: The inner part of the loch has special areas called maerl beds. Maerl is a type of red seaweed that grows like coral. It forms important habitats for many small animals.
- Burrowed Mud: Other parts of the seabed are made of soft mud where animals can burrow.
- Coarser Sediments: In areas where the tides are stronger, the seabed is made of rougher sand and gravel.
Special Animals
- Volcano Worms: The burrowed mud areas support a group of volcano worms. These worms create cone-shaped mounds on the seabed, which look a bit like tiny volcanoes!
- Native Oysters: Loch Sween is very important for one of Scotland's most significant groups of native oysters (Ostrea edulis). These shellfish are a key part of the loch's ecosystem.
A Protected Place
Loch Sween is so special that it was made a Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area (NCMPA) in 2014. This means it is a protected area where nature is carefully looked after.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers Loch Sween a Category IV protected area. This category means it's a place managed mainly for keeping its habitats and wildlife safe.
