Sound of Jura
The Sound of Jura (Gaelic: An Linne Rosach) is a strait in the Inner Hebrides of Argyllshire, separating the isle of Jura to the west from Knapdale on the mainland of Great Britain to the east. The Crinan Canal's western terminus on Loch Crinan opens into the Sound of Jura. Other sea lochs which open into the sound include Loch Sween, and Loch Caolisport.
The north end of the Sound of Jura is particularly treacherous, being filled with skerries, small islands, strong tidal currents and whirlpools. The Gulf of Corryvreckan, which contains a notorious whirlpool, the world's third largest, leads from the north of the sound.
The south end of the sound in contrast is much wider and more open; most of the small islands and reefs are close into shore. The ferries to Colonsay and Islay from the mainland skirt the southern end of the sound.
Most of Jura's small population lives on the east coast, overlooking the sound, and amongst these would have been George Orwell when he was writing his novel Nineteen Eighty-Four
To the other side of Jura is the Sound of Islay, which lies between Jura and Islay.
Outside links
- Location map: 55°58’50"N, 5°45’20"W
