Luce Bay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Luce Bay |
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Aerial view of Luce Bay. Looking across the eastern part of Loch Ryan and over Stranraer. In the distance can also be seen the Isle of Man
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 Luce Bay
Luce Bay
Location of Luce Bay within Outer Hebrides
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| Coordinates | 54°50′42″N 4°52′07″W / 54.845°N 4.8687°W |
| Type | Missile Range |
| Site information | |
| Owner | QinetiQ |
| Operator | Qinetiq |
| Controlled by |  Royal Air Force |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1930 |
| Airfield information | |
| Elevation | 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) AMSL |
Luce Bay is a very large bay located in Wigtownshire, which is in southern Scotland. It's like a big curve of the coastline.
This bay is about 20 miles wide at its opening. On its western side, you'll find the Rhins of Galloway, and to the east, there are the Machars.
Contents
Luce Bay: A Former Training Area
From the 1930s all the way to the 1990s, Luce Bay was used as a special training area. Aircraft from the Royal Air Force (RAF) and later planes from other allied countries would practice here.
These planes were based at a place called West Freugh. After dropping practice bombs, a retired ship, once a minesweeper, would collect them from the water. This ship was based nearby in Drummore.
Current Military Use
Even today, Luce Bay is still a special area controlled by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in the United Kingdom. There are special rules, called byelaws, that limit who can enter the bay at certain times.
These rules are in place when QinetiQ, a company that works for the MOD, is doing important tests and evaluations. This means they are checking and trying out new equipment or systems.
Nature and Conservation
Luce Bay used to be a very important place for fishing, with many boats catching fish there. However, it's not used much for commercial fishing anymore.
The bay is home to many important plants and animals that live in the sea and along the shore. Because of this, it has been named a Special Area of Conservation by Scottish Natural Heritage. This helps protect its unique natural environment.
Places Around Luce Bay
Many interesting towns and areas are located along the coastline of Luce Bay:
- Ardwell
- Auchenmalg
- Chappel Rossan
- Drummore
- Glenluce
- River Luce
- Maryport
- Mull of Galloway
- Monreith
- Port William
- Sandhead
- Terrally Bay
- Torrs Warren
