Introduction
The Holy Loch is a sea loch, a part of the Cowal peninsula coast of the Firth of Clyde, in S.W. Scotland. By the standards of Scottish lochs this loch is small.Dimensions are one mile wide and two-three miles long (dependent on tidal conditions).
More information
The “Holy Loch” name is believed to date from the 6th century, when Saint Munn landed there after leaving Ireland. Kilmun Parish Church and Argyll Mausoleum are said to stand where Saint Munn’s church was once located.
Etymology: The ‘Kil’ element is linked to the English word ‘cell’.This indicates an early Christian settlement (possibly around the 6th century AD) of the Celtic Church. The second element (Mun) refers to the founding missionary (or saint), i.e. Munn.
During World War II, the loch was used as a British Royal Navy submarine base. From 1961–1992, it was used as a United States Navy Polaris and Poseidon nuclear submarine base.
Video clip of Holy Loch and Firth of Clyde
Poem (Unattributed on public information board)
Harmony of the Holy Loch
A land of rainbows
Arching over sea and mountains
A land as Nature intended
With cormorants, curlews, Whimbrel, Turnstone,
Oyster Catchers, Herring Gulls,
Gannets and Herons
Populating the skies,
While the Loch Harbours
Seals and dolphins,
Eider Ducks, Tufted Ducks,
Teal, Wigeon, Dab Chicks
Red-Breasted Mergansers
And graceful Swans
And in it’s depths
Mackerel, Trout, Mullet,
Cod, Dog Fish and Conger
All with a hinter land of
Thick forests, autumn fruits
Red squirrels, Midnight owls
Wild flowers, dainty bluebells.
Haughty foxgloves
Hardy heather and thyme
A land of mystical mist
Of sunsets and moonscapes
Of starlight and untamed evensong
Our precious corner
of this beautiful ancient land.
Visiting
Starting from Glasgow, travel first to Gourock (about twenty-eight miles N.W.). Next, a short ferry crossing to Dunoon followed by a short drive north to Sandbank and the loch.
More information
For more information on Scottish lochs, Scottish history and many aspects of Scotland from a tourist perspective please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4.