Loch Sunart (sailing ship)

Loch Sunart was a four-masted iron sailing barque built in 1886 by Barclay, Curle & Company of Glasgow, Scotland. She was part of the "Loch" Line of sailing vessels owned by the Glasgow shipping company Thomas Law & Co. These ships were primarily engaged in the trade routes between the United Kingdom and Australia, carrying general cargo, passengers, and returning with wool.

The Loch Sunart was known for her speed and reliability on these long voyages. She was considered a well-maintained and efficiently operated vessel, contributing to the reputation of the "Loch" Line. Specific details of her voyages, including captains, passenger manifests, and cargo details, are documented in historical shipping records.

The "Loch" Line ships, including the Loch Sunart, played a significant role in the development of trade and transportation between Britain and Australia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While the era of commercial sailing ships eventually gave way to steam-powered vessels, the Loch Sunart remains a notable example of a well-regarded sailing ship from that period. Her name, "Loch Sunart," refers to a sea loch (fjord) in the Scottish Highlands, reflecting the Scottish heritage of the shipping line. The ship was eventually sold and continued sailing under different ownership until she was lost at sea.