Lorn shattered, so to speak, under the exigencies of time and politics. The firth, however, which had long since acquired the name, remains a living concept. In 2005 much of the eastern side became a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) according to European Union's Habitats Directive. The reefs and skerries of the small islands on that side are deemed habitats of interest. Two of Scotland's 40 defined national scenic areas are also to be found in the firth: the Lynn of Lorn National Scenic Area covers the island of Lismore and the surrounding seas, along with neighbouring areas on the mainland such as Benderloch and Port Appin; whilst the Scarba, Lunga and the Garvellachs National Scenic Area covers the islands of Scarba, Lunga and the Garvellachs lower down the loch.