The Firth of Lorn or Lorne () is the inlet of the sea between the south-east coast of the Isle of Mull and the mainland of Scotland. It includes a number of islands, and is noted for the variety of wildlife habitats that are found. In 2005, a large part of the Firth became a Special Area of Conservation. Geography and geology The firth extends from the junction of the Sound of Mull and the Lynn of Lorn in the north-east, in a south-westerly direction towards Colonsay. The narrower north-eastern part is the Inner Firth, and the wider south-western part is the Outer Firth. The firth takes its name from the historic province of Lorne on the adjacent mainland. The Firth of Lorn is a continuation of the Great Glen - the Great Glen Fault runs along the north-westerm side of the firth. A conspicuous feature of the coasts of the firth is the presence of rock platforms and raised cliffs. These can be seen on the coast of Mull, on the Island of Kerrera and on the mainland. They are believed to be the result of marine erosion at a time when sea levels were higher than at present, probably during a late interglacial period. The nature of the seabed in the firth has been studied by several methods, including echo-sounding, sampling with grabs, and surveys using submersible vessels. The bedrock is mainly precambrian of the Dalradian Supergroup overlain uncomformably by rocks of the Old Red Sandstone. A notable feature is the Insh fault which forms a submarine cliff up to 150m high, passing to the west of Insh Island. The Firth of Lorn is noted for its strong tidal currents, particularly in the channels between the islands. In the Gulf of Corryvreckan, between Jura and Scarba, tidal flows can reach 8.5 knots, and form a famous whirlpool. When the west-going flood tide emerges into the main part of the firth it can form overfalls, dangerous breaking steep seas, particularly if it meets a swell from the west or south-west. This is known as the "Great Race". Bealach a'Choin Ghlais (the channel of the "Grey Dogs"), between Scarba and Lunga being narrower, is if anything more hazardous. Habitats and conservation The tidal currents in the firth are not only of concern to navigators, but have a major effect on wildlife. The varied conditions, with some areas exposed to strong