Tongue Bay facts for kids
Tongue Bay (Scottish Gaelic: Tunga from Old Norse: Tunga) is a beautiful bay located in the northwest part of Highland, Scotland. It's found in what used to be the county of Sutherland. This area is known for its stunning natural beauty and interesting history.
Contents
Exploring Tongue Bay
Tongue Bay is home to several small communities. At the very end of the bay, you'll find Skullomie, a small village where people traditionally fish and farm on small plots of land called crofts. West of the bay is Melness, which is a group of similar crofting villages.
Communities and Islands
On the western side of Tongue Bay, there's a smaller inlet called Talmine Bay. Here, you'll find Talmine, another village where people fish and farm.
Out in the bay, you can see the Rabbit Islands. These are three islands that no one lives on. At the mouth of the bay is another island called Eilean nan Ròn, which means "island of seals." It's a great spot to imagine seals resting!
The Coastline and Tides
The coast around Tongue Bay is very dramatic. It stretches out to the northwest and east, featuring high, rocky cliffs. You'll find many small creeks cutting into the land. Over time, the ocean has carved amazing shapes into the rocks, creating caves, arches, and tall pillars. The tides in the bay generally move from east to west along the coast.
Historic Sites in the Bay
Tongue Bay also holds some important historical treasures. The Shamrock is a type of old sailing ship called a sloop from the 1800s. It rests within the bay and is protected by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. This means it's an important historical site that people want to preserve. Scullomie Harbour, also inside the bay, is another protected historical spot.
