Exploring Loch Seaforth: A Natural Wonder of the Outer Hebrides

Loch Seaforth, known in Scottish Gaelic as Loch Shiphoirt or Sìophoirt, is a captivating sea loch located in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. This unique loch comprises three distinct sections. The southernmost stretch acts as a natural boundary between Lewis and Harris and used to mark the divide between the counties of Ross and Cromarty and Inverness-shire.

Scattered settlements dot the loch's perimeter, including Rhenigidale near the mouth and Maaruig on Loch Maraig, an inlet on the western side. The township of Arivruaich sits beside Tob Cheann Tarabhaigh. The loch's head, Ceann Shiphoirt, lies 5 km further east. Loch Seaforth also gives its name to two ships that served the Western Isles. The original MV Loch Seaforth was a MacBrayne mailboat that connected Stornoway with Mallaig and Kyle of Lochalsh. The name was revived for a new Calmac car ferry operating between Ullapool and Stornoway.