the village of Kirkcolm, is an important breeding ground for terns. History and usage Historically the loch has seen human activity on its shores since ancient times. Sheltered from the rough seas of the North Channel and the North Atlantic the loch has been an important safe harbour for vessels. William Smith, Britain's foremost classicist of the 19th century, identifies Ptolemy's toponym Abrauannus (), with Loch Ryan, particularly with its outlet to the sea. Ptolemy described Abrauannus or Abravannus as a river of Britannia Barbara, that discharged itself a little northward of the Promontorium Novantum, or Mull of Galloway into Luce Bay. According to Smith, Abravannus is probably the stream which flows through Loch Ryan into the sea – Ab-Ryan, or the offspring of Ryan, being easily convertible into the Roman form of the word Ab-Ryan-us – Abravannus. In early 1307 at the beginning of Robert the Bruce's campaign in the wars of independence he sent two forces to attempt to gain control of south west Scotland. One force, led by his two brothers, consisting of eighteen galleys, landed in the loch. In the Battle of Loch Ryan, they were immediately overwhelmed by local forces, led by Dungal MacDouall, who was a supporter of the Comyns. The loch would have been used historically for traditional maritime activities including fishing. The Statistical account of Scotland 1791–99, records: "This bank abounds with oysters of a most excellent flavour. They are found indeed all around the shores and might be got in great quantities would people drag for them ....... A variety of fish, as skate, flounders, small cod, haddocks, whiting, lobsters, crabs and sometimes turbot are caught within the loch" The later Account of 1834-45 expands on this issue, as it states: "Loch Ryan at one time was famous for its herring fishery. I have heard old people say that they have known 300 sail boats in the bay at one time which had come from the highlands and other places, in order to fish or purchase herrings. For many years past the shoals of herrings may be said to have deserted the loch." A lighthouse was built at Cairn point in 1847 at the northern end of the village of Cairnryan. In 1849 the principal link to Northern Ireland was moved from Portpatrick to Stranraer in Loch Ryan. The reasons for this move were the increasing tonnages of the vessels operating