Loch A' Bharain
Loch A' Bharain (the Baron's Loch) is an impounding[1] reservoir in Scotland.
| Loch A' Bharain | |
|---|---|
 | |
  Loch A' Bharain | |
| Location | North Knapdale, Scotland |
| Coordinates | 56.0624°N 5.4972°W grid reference NR82369116[1] |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Basin countries | Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Surface area | 34,000 m2 (370,000 sq ft)[1] |
| Water volume | 63,100 m3 (51.2 acre⋅ft)[1] |
| Surface elevation | 19 m (62 ft) |
Loch A' Bharain directly sits on the north bank of the Crinan Canal beside lock No.9, 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) west of Cairnbaan, and acts as a side pound to the summit reach: effectively increasing the area and therefore reducing the level changes caused by downward lockings at either end.. The earthfill[1] dam is 5.6 metres (18 ft)[1] high and was constructed in 1801 during the construction of the Crinan Canal. Works were completed by 1810 and after further repair and inspection by 1815 - 1820 the Crinan canal helped bring jobs and industry to the area shortening what would be a longer voyage on boat to get to Crinan and other areas on the west coast. The 9 mile canal became known as a Royal Route when Queen Victoria sailed the canal after works completed, this was part of her tour of Scotland. Loch á Bharain is one of the many many lochs (lakes) and burns (rivers) feeding the Crinan Canal. When the Crinan Canal was drained for repair and inspection in 2020 - 2021, Loch á Bharain was mostly drained, revealing old lock gates, tyres and other bits and pieces as well as the remains (floor plan) of the old castle of Clan McTavish.[2]
The loch is regularly used by Mid Argyll Radio Sailing for model boats.
References
- "Argyll and Bute Council Reservoirs Act 1975 Public Register" Archived 2013-07-08 at the Wayback Machine
- "The ruins of an ancient castle have been revealed for the first time in 200 years". Press and Journal. 26 May 2021.