Wildlife and Scenery of the Firth of Lorn

The Firth of Lorn Special Area of Conservation is an area of outstanding natural beauty; of uninhabited islands whose sea-cliffs plunge into clear nutrient rich oceanic waters. Here we find an astonishing variety of seabirds and a hotspot for sightings of porpoises, dolphins and whales. Along the shoreline you may also see grey seals, common seals and otters while on the rugged slopes above deer and feral goats roam. Eagles, buzzards and peregrine falcons can be seen circling above.

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Enjoy the varied and spectacular scenery of the many islands including the fabulous Gulf of Corryvreckan, one of the World's most spectacular whirlpools.

Situated in the beautiful, uninhabited Garvellach islands is the site of St Brendan's monastery, founded in the sixth century, 21 years before St Columba landed on Iona. Other sites of historic interest include Dun Chonnuill, also in the Garvellachs, the site of a hill fort in the time of the ancient Kingdom of the Scots, and the Slate Islands which, in the 18th and 19th centuries produced so much slate that they were known as 'the islands that roofed the World'.

Many of the photos on this site were taken by professional photographers David Whitaker and Pete Hardy. Sincere thanks go to them both, and please visit their websites to view more of their work. (Site will open in new browser window). All other images are the work of your skipper, David Ainsley.