Thurso Bay facts for kids
Thurso Bay, also called Scrabster Bay, is a beautiful bay located on the north coast of Caithness, Scotland. It's a part of the vast Atlantic Ocean and sits between two important points of land: Clairdon Head and Holborn Head. This area is known for its stunning coastal views and connection to the sea.
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Where is Thurso Bay?
Thurso Bay is found in the very north of Scotland. It's like a big curve of water that stretches between Clairdon Head and Holborn Head. These two points are about four to five kilometres apart, which is also how wide the bay is at its widest part.
Water Sources and Surroundings
The bay gets fresh water from two rivers: the River Thurso and the Wolf Burn.
- The River Thurso flows into the bay at its southernmost point. This river mouth is about two kilometres away from the more open waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
- The Wolf Burn enters the bay closer to Scrabster Harbour, near a place called Burnside.
Looking out from the bay, you can see Orkney islands to the northeast. To the east, there's the Pentland Firth, which is a strait of water, and Dunnet Bay.
Scrabster Harbour and Lighthouse
One of the most important places in Thurso Bay is Scrabster harbour.
- It's located about three kilometres west-northwest of the River Thurso mouth.
- Scrabster harbour is protected by Holborn Head, which means its waters are deep and calm.
- A ferry regularly leaves from Scrabster, connecting mainland Scotland with Stromness in Orkney. This ferry is a vital link for people and goods traveling between the mainland and the islands.
Just about one kilometre south of Holborn Head's tip, and close to Scrabster Harbour, you'll find the Holborn Head Lighthouse. Lighthouses are important for guiding ships safely, especially in busy waters.
Thurso Town and the River Mouth
The town of Thurso sits right on the bay, west of where the River Thurso flows in.
- There's a lovely sandy beach along the bay in front of Thurso.
- The mouth of the River Thurso now acts as a small harbour.
- In the 1800s, this river mouth was a very busy port for trade and shipping.
- When the tide comes in, the sea water can reach about one kilometre inland beyond the river mouth. This is further than what is often shown on maps!
