Editing Firth of Clyde (section)

==Geography==

[[File:Seamill, Firth of Clyde.jpg|thumb|The [[West Kilbride|Seamill]] beach looks south down the outer firth towards southern [[Isle of Arran|Arran]] and [[Ailsa Craig]]]]
[[File:Firth of Clyde View - geograph.org.uk - 5176802.jpg|thumb|Firth of Clyde View]]
[[File:Gourock and the Firth of Clyde - geograph.org.uk - 3095647.jpg|thumb|Gourock and the Firth of Clyde]]

At the north of the Firth, [[Loch Long]] and the [[Gare Loch]] join the Firth; these lochs are separated by the [[Rosneath Peninsula]]. Off [[Greenock]], an anchorage, known as the [[Tail of the Bank]] narrows the estuary of the River Clyde to {{convert|2|mi|km|abbr=out}} wide. (''The "Bank" is a reference to a [[shoal|sandbank and shoal]]'') The River Clyde estuary has an upper [[tidal limit]] located at the tidal weir next to [[Glasgow Green#Tidal Weir|Glasgow Green]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://canmore.org.uk/site/103494/glasgow-glasgow-green-tidal-weir|title=Glasgow, Glasgow Green, Tidal Weir &#124; Canmore|website=canmore.org.uk}}</ref>

The geographical (and popular) distinction between the Firth and the River Clyde is vague. Some refer to [[Dumbarton]] as being "on the ''Firth of Clyde''"; while at the same time, the residents of [[Port Glasgow]] and [[Greenock]] often refer to the part of the Firth that lies to the north of those areas as "the river".

The Firth encompasses many [[Islands of the Clyde|islands]] and peninsulas. Twelve ferry routes connect them to each other and the mainland. The majority of the ferry services are run by [[Caledonian MacBrayne]] and one by [[Western Ferries]], and many of the routes are lifeline services for communities living in remote areas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.calmac.co.uk/|title=CalMac Home Page|website=CalMac Ferries}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.western-ferries.co.uk/|title=Western Ferries (Clyde) Ltd|website=Western Ferries}}</ref>  The Firth has no fixed link transport infrastructure connections (bridge or tunnel), linking the shores or islands.  The lowest fixed crossing over the Clyde is the [[Erskine Bridge]], opened on 2 July 1971.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/history/guide-16-incredible-bridges-span-25123578|title=A guide to the 16 incredible bridges that span the Clyde through Glasgow - Glasgow Live|website=www.glasgowlive.co.uk|date=28 September 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scottishroadsarchive.org/erskine-bridge|title=Erskine Bridge &#124; Scottish Roads Archive|website=Scots Roads Archive}}</ref>

The [[Irish Sea]] and the Firth of Clyde's southerly boundary, as defined by the Scottish Government, is between the southern tip of the [[Kintyre|Kintyre Peninsula]] and [[Corsewall Point]] on the [[Rhins of Galloway]].<ref name="auto1"/>

The Firth joins the strait between Scotland and Northern Ireland, called the [[North Channel (Great Britain and Ireland)|North Channel]], at the north of the Irish Sea.  The deepest part of the channel is the [[Beaufort's Dyke]], at {{convert|312|m|}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.earth.com/image/the-north-channel-between-ireland-and-scotland/|title=The North Channel between Ireland and Scotland - Earth.com|website=www.earth.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/15229/|title=The formation and evolution of an isolated submarine valley in the North Channel, Irish sea: an investigation of Beaufort's Dyke - NERC Open Research Archive}}</ref>

=== Highland Boundary Fault ===
{{See also|Highland Boundary Fault}}

The Highland Boundary Fault enters the Firth off the east coast of [[Kintyre|Kintyre Peninsula]] in the south.  The fault crosses the south eastern tip of the [[Cowal|Cowal Peninsula]] at [[Toward Point Lighthouse|Toward Point]], where it can be seen on the surface by the presence of [[Old Red Sandstone]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Excursion 16 Upper Old Red Sandstone of the Firth of Clyde |url=https://gcrseries.scottishgeologytrust.org/p/gsg/gsg_glasgow_girvan/egs_gla_exc16upperorsclyde |website=gcrseries.scottishgeologytrust.org}}</ref> The fault continues to [[Helensburgh]] in the north, then continues past the east coast of Scotland.  The fault can be followed across Scotland for at least {{convert|240|km|miles|sigfig=2|abbr=on}},  the fault is of great age and its remains are broken by more recent geological movement of the earths crust.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Sketch-map-of-part-of-the-Firth-of-Clyde-to-show-the-distribution-of-Dalradian-and_fig1_259423189|title=Sketch map of part of the Firth of Clyde to show the distribution of... &#124; Download Scientific Diagram}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.lyellcollection.org/doi/10.1144/0016-76492008-012|title=Tectonic significance of the Highland Boundary Fault, Scotland|first=Geoff|last=Tanner|date=9 September 2008|journal=Journal of the Geological Society|volume=165|issue=5|pages=915–921|via=Semantic Scholar|doi=10.1144/0016-76492008-012|bibcode=2008JGSoc.165..915T }}</ref>

===Sea Lochs===

Fourteen [[loch|sea lochs]] join the Firth, the largest being Loch Fyne.

{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
*[[Campbeltown Loch]]
*[[Loch Fyne]] - [[East Loch Tarbert, Argyll|East Loch Tarbert]]; [[Loch Gilp]]; [[Lochgair|Loch Gair]] and [[River Shira|Loch Shira]]
*[[Gare Loch]]
*[[Holy Loch]]
*[[Loch Long]] - [[Loch Goil]]
*[[Lochranza|Loch Ranza]]
*[[Loch Riddon]] off the [[Kyles of Bute]]
*[[Loch Ryan]]
*[[Loch Striven]]
}}

===Peninsulas===

* [[Cowal|Cowal Peninsula]]

The Cowal Peninsula extends into the Firth of Clyde and forms the main western shoreline of the upper Firth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://visitcowal.co.uk/ |title=Home |publisher=visitcowal |date=20 June 2014 |access-date=7 February 2017}}</ref> The main town on the Cowal Peninsula is [[Dunoon]]. [[Ardlamont Point]] on the [[Ardlamont Peninsula]], that extends off of the Cowal Peninsula, is the southern tip of the Ardlamont and Cowal Peninsulas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.carryfarm.co.uk/location|title=location|website=Carry Farm}}</ref>

The ferries across the Firth save time compared to traveling "round by road", via [[Loch Eck]] side ([[A815 road]]), the Rest and Be Thankful ([[A83 road]]) and [[Loch Lomond]] side ([[A82 road]]).The service between [[Dunoon]] and [[Gourock]] in [[Inverclyde]] is operated by [[Caledonian MacBrayne]], the [[Public Service]] provider.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.calmac.co.uk/destinations/cowal-dunoon|title=Cowal & Dunoon|website=CalMac Ferries}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/SC001854/persons-with-significant-control|title=CALEDONIAN MARITIME ASSETS LIMITED persons with significant control - Find and update company information - GOV.UK|website=find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk}}</ref> This service carries only foot passengers and connects directly with the [[ScotRail]] service to [[Glasgow]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/stations-and-facilities/grk|title=Train to and from Gourock|website=www.scotrail.co.uk|access-date=1 April 2018}}</ref>[[Western Ferries]], is a [[Private Limited Company]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/SC091850|title=WESTERN FERRIES (CLYDE) LIMITED overview - Find and update company information - GOV.UK|website=find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk}}</ref> it operates the service between [[Hunters Quay]] and [[McInroy's Point]] near to Gourock.  This service carries all types of vehicular transport, as well as foot passengers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.western-ferries.co.uk/|title=Western Ferries (Clyde) Ltd|website=www.western-ferries.co.uk|access-date=1 April 2018}}</ref>

* [[Kintyre Peninsula]]

The Kintyre peninsula forms the main west coastline of the lower Firth.

* [[Rosneath Peninsula]]

The Rosneath peninsula is formed by the Gare Loch in the east, and Loch Long in the west, both merge with the upper Firth of Clyde. There is a Caledonian MacBrayne passenger only service across the Firth to [[Gourock]] from [[Kilcreggan]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.calmac.co.uk/destinations/kilcreggan-rosneath|title=Kilcreggan & Rosneath|website=CalMac Ferries}}</ref>

===Firth Islands===

[[File:Arran sunset.jpg|thumb|Arran sunset]]
{{See also|Islands of the Clyde}}

{{incomplete list|date=January 2025}}

There are many islands in the Firth. The largest three all have thriving communities and regular ferry services connecting them to the mainland. They are:

*[[Isle of Arran|Arran]]
*[[Isle of Bute|Bute]]
*[[Great Cumbrae]]

[[Ailsa Craig]] is a small island, formed by the remains of a [[volcanic plug]] in the Firth.  Ailsa Craig Common Green [[Granite]] and Ailsa Craig Blue Hone Granite are quarried there for the production of [[Curling]] Stones, manufactured by [[Kays of Scotland]].<ref>https://www.britannica.com/place/Ailsa-Craig-island-Scotland</ref><ref>https://www.kaysscotland.com/</ref>

[[Holy Island, Firth of Clyde|Holy Isle]] a small island lying in [[Lamlash|Lamlash Bay]], [[Isle of Arran]].  At the north of the Holy Isle there is a religious resort.<ref>https://www.holyisle.org/</ref>

===Firth Lighthouses===

The [[Northern Lighthouse Board]] is responsible for some of the navigation aids around Scotlands coast.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nlb.org.uk/|title=Northern Lighthouse Board - Home|website=Northern Lighthouse Board}}</ref>  With others being the responsibility of the local [[Competent harbour authority|Competent Harbour Authority]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://marine.gov.scot/information/maritime-transport-ports-and-harbours-statutory-harbour-limits|title=Maritime Transport - Ports and Harbours – Statutory harbour limits &#124; marine.gov.scot|website=marine.gov.scot}}</ref>

{{incomplete list|date=June 2024}}
[[File:The Gantocks - geograph.org.uk - 839222.jpg|thumb|The Gantocks with Cloch Lighthouse behind]]

There are lighthouses at:

{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
* [[Cloch|Cloch Point]] on the [[Inverclyde]] coast.<ref>{{Canmore|num=123013|desc=Inverkip, The Cloch Lighthouse|access-date=7 February 2017}}</ref>
* [[Toward Point Lighthouse]] on the [[Cowal]] Peninsula.<ref>{{Canmore|num=68122|desc=Toward Point, Toward Point Lighthouse|fewer-links=yes|access-date=7 February 2017}}</ref>
* [[Little Cumbrae Lighthouse]]<ref>{{Canmore|num=40680|desc=Little Cumbrae Island, New Lighthouse|fewer-links=yes|date=23 August 1951|access-date=7 February 2017}}</ref>
* [[Pladda]], South of [[Isle of Arran|Arran]]<ref>{{Canmore|num=40074|desc=Pladda, Lighthouse|fewer-links=yes|date=12 July 2010|access-date=7 February 2017}}</ref>
* [[Ailsa Craig Lighthouse]], [[Ailsa Craig]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://canmore.org.uk/site/157548/ailsa-craig-foreland-point-lighthouse-keepers-cottages-and-foghorn|title=Ailsa Craig, Foreland Point, Lighthouse, Keepers' Cottages And Foghorn &#124; Canmore|website=canmore.org.uk}}</ref>
* [[Lighthouses on the Isle of Arran|Pillar Rock Point lighthouse]], also known as [[Holy Isle, Firth of Clyde|Holy Isle]] outer Lighthouse, [[Isle of Arran|Arran]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://canmore.org.uk/site/40076/holy-island-outer-lighthouse|title=Holy Island, Outer Lighthouse &#124; Canmore|website=canmore.org.uk}}</ref>
* [[Lighthouses on the Isle of Arran|Holy Isle, Inner lighthouse]], also known as [[Holy Isle, Firth of Clyde|Holy Isle]], [[Isle of Arran|Arran]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://canmore.org.uk/site/40084/holy-island-inner-lighthouse|title=Holy Island, Inner Lighthouse &#124; Canmore|website=canmore.org.uk}}</ref>
* [[Corsewall Lighthouse]], [[Corsewall Point]], [[Kirkcolm]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nlb.org.uk/lighthouses/corsewall/|title=Corsewall|website=Northern Lighthouse Board}}</ref>
* [[Davaar Lighthouse]], [[Davaar Island]], [[Campbeltown Loch]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nlb.org.uk/lighthouses/davaar/|title=Davaar|website=Northern Lighthouse Board}}</ref>
* [[Sanda Island|Sanda Lighthouse]], Sanda Island, off the south of [[Kintyre]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nlb.org.uk/lighthouses/sanda/|title=Sanda|website=Northern Lighthouse Board}}</ref>
* [[Turnberry Lighthouse]], [[Turnberry, South Ayrshire|Turnberry]], [[South Ayrshire]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nlb.org.uk/lighthouses/turnberry/|title=Turnberry|website=Northern Lighthouse Board}}</ref>
}}

There are navigation beacons at:

*[[The Gantocks|The Gantocks Rocks and Navigation Beacon]], off the coast at [[Dunoon]], [[Cowal|Cowal Peninsula]].<ref>{{Canmore|num=287955|desc=The Gantocks, Navigation Beacon|fewer-links=yes|access-date=7 February 2017}}</ref>
*[[Horse Isle|Horse Isle Beacon]], Horse Isle, [[Ardrossan]] Built 1811.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://canmore.org.uk/site/277905/firth-of-clyde-horse-island-landmark|title=Firth Of Clyde, Horse Island, 'landmark' &#124; Canmore|website=canmore.org.uk}}</ref>

===Firth shoreline settlements===
{{incomplete list|date=June 2024}}

{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
*[[Ardbeg, Bute|Ardbeg]], [[Ardrossan]], [[Ascog]], [[Ayr]]
*[[Barassie, South Ayrshire|Barassie]], [[Blackwaterfoot]], [[Brodick]]
*[[Campbeltown]], [[Cardross, Argyll and Bute|Cardross]], [[Carradale]], [[Corrie, Arran|Corrie]], [[Catacol]]
*[[Dumbarton]], [[Dunoon]], [[Dunure]]
*[[Fairlie, North Ayrshire|Fairlie]]
*[[Gourock]], [[Greenock]], [[Girvan]], [[Grogport]]
*[[Helensburgh]], [[Hunters Quay]]
*[[Innellan]], [[Inverkip]], [[Irvine, North Ayrshire|Irvine]]
*[[Kilcreggan]], [[Kilchattan Bay]], [[Kildonan, Arran|Kildonan]], [[Kilmory, Arran|Kilmory]], [[Kilmun]], [[Kingarth]], [[Kirn, Argyll|Kirn]]
*[[Lagg, Arran|Lagg]], [[Lamlash]], [[Largs]], [[Lochranza]]
*[[Machrie]], [[Maidens, South Ayrshire|Maidens]], [[Millport, Isle of Cumbrae|Millport]]
*[[Peninver]], [[Pirnmill]], [[Port Bannatyne]], [[Portencross]], [[Port Glasgow]], [[Portkil]], [[Prestwick]]
*[[Rothesay, Argyll and Bute|Rothesay]]
*[[Saddell]], [[Sannox]], [[Saltcoats]], [[Seamill]], [[Skipness]], [[Skelmorlie]], [[Sliddery]], [[Southend, Argyll|Southend]], [[Stevenston]], [[Strone]]
*[[Tarbert, Kintyre|Tarbert]], [[Toward]], [[Troon]], [[Turnberry, South Ayrshire|Turnberry]]
*[[Wemyss Bay]], [[West Kilbride]], [[Whiting Bay]]
}}

{{clear}}