Sound of Jura facts for kids
The Sound of Jura (which is An Linne Rosach in Scottish Gaelic) is a narrow stretch of water in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It's like a natural channel or passage of water. This sound is one of many important water channels found around Scotland.
It lies to the east of the island of Jura. To its west is Knapdale, which is part of the Scottish mainland. The western entrance of the Crinan Canal also opens into the Sound of Jura. Other water bodies, like Loch Sween and Loch Caolisport, connect to this sound.
Contents
Exploring the Sound of Jura
The Tricky North End
The northern part of the Sound of Jura can be quite dangerous for boats. It has many skerries, which are small rocky islands. There are also very strong tidal currents and powerful whirlpools. One famous whirlpool, the Gulf of Corryvreckan, is found here. It is known as the world's third-largest whirlpool!
The Open South End
In contrast, the southern part of the sound is much wider and more open. Most of the small islands and underwater reefs are located close to the shore. Ferries that travel to the islands of Colonsay and Islay from the mainland pass along the southern edge of the sound.
Life and History Around the Sound
Most of the people who live on Jura island make their homes on the east coast. This area overlooks the Sound of Jura. The famous writer George Orwell lived here while he was writing his well-known novel, Nineteen Eighty-Four.
It's important not to confuse the Sound of Jura with the Sound of Islay. The Sound of Islay is a different channel of water located between the islands of Jura and Islay.
