Geography of Loch Fyne

Loch Fyne is the longest and deepest of Scotlands many sea lochs. It was formed after the last glaciation in Scotland around 10000 years ago when glaciers retreated and rising sea levels flooded the lower reaches of Glen Fyne. Glen Fyne itself is a U-shaped valley which was carved out by a large glacier during the last glaciation. Since Loch Fyne was formed by sea water flooding a U-shaped valley, the loch is characteristically long, narrow and deep and penetrates many miles inland from the open sea.

Marine Environment of Loch Fyne

Scottish sea lochs provide unique marine environments rich in marine life. The shape of sea lochs and the climatic conditions in the west of Scotland combine to create these environments in which a great diversity of marine flora and fauna thrive. The shape of sea lochs means that they provide sheltered areas away from the strong tides of the open ocean.

The shorelines of sea lochs are often rocky and steep, providing ideal conditions for kelp forests to grow just below the low tide mark. Kelp forests provide habitat for vast numbers of fish, crustaceans and other marine invertebrates. In other parts the shoreline may be comprised of sediment (sand or mud). These areas are common near the heads of sea lochs or around river mouths and provide habitats for marine worms and other burrowing creatures. These in turn provide food for many shore birds such as curlews, oyster catchers and dunlins which can be seen wading in the shallows as the tide retreats.

Fisheries and Aquaculture

Loch Fyne's marine environment is rich in nutrients and plankton which form the basis of its marine ecosystem. The Loch is a rich feeding ground for herring which once formed vast shoals in its sheltered waters. Loch Fyne herring are prized for their rich oily flesh which results from their rich diet in the loch. Loch Fyne was famous in the past for its herring fishing and the economy of the region depended on it. In the past herring fishing was the main industry in Inveraray - the largest town near Cairndow - and the towns coat of arms depicts herring being caught in a net with the motto 'Semper Tibi Pendeat Halec' - 'May there always be herring in your net'. Sadly in recent decades the herring fishing industry in Loch Fyne has almost disappeared due to overfishing and the decline in stocks.