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Loch Katrine derives its name from the Gaelic cateran meaning "Highland Robber". The loch is just under 10 miles long and just over one mile wide and lies at the heart of the Trossachs, an area that features in both the history and literature of Scotland.
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| Loch Katrine
Water Supply Scheme |
At the beginning of the 19th Century the
quality of water supplied to Glasgow was far from satisfactory - with a
population of more than 80,000, the only sources of water were a few
private wells and 30 public wells located in principal streets. Private
water companies, formed between 1806 and 1808, later supplied water from
springs and wells. It was transported in large barrels by horse and cart
and sold to the public in small basins or stoups, at a halfpenny a stoup.
In 1838 and again in 1848, outbreaks of cholera killed thousands of people
in Glasgow, with the worst hit areas being those with the poorest water
supply.
To try to resolve the public health problem associated with the poor water quality, the city fathers decided to bring water supply under municipal control. In 1853, John Fredrick Bateman, the civil engineer of London and Manchester, was asked to report on the best source of water supply for the residents of Glasgow. Bateman recommended Loch Katrine, stating it was the best choice as the loch has a large catchment area and the water was of very good quality being from an upland source. Glasgow Corporation promoted a bill to provide the city with Loch Katrine water that was passed by the House of Commons in April 1855. The construction of the Loch Katrine Water Supply Scheme included a masonry dam to raise the level of water in the loch, a 26 mile aqueduct, a storage reservoir at Milngavie (Mugdock) and laying 26 miles of trunk mains and 46 miles of distribution pipes throughout the city. It took three and half years to complete the work and the scheme was officially opened on 14 October 1859 by Queen Victoria. The design and construction of the works were acclaimed as a marvel of engineering in its day.
" I leave you a work which I believe
will, with very slight attention, remain perfect for ages which for the
greater part of it, is indestructible as the hills through which it has
been carried." |
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| The SS Sir Walter Scott is the last surviving crew steamer in regular passenger service in Scotland. For more information on the steamship SS Sir Walter Scott visit www.lochkatrine.com or alternatively you can email info@lochkatrine.com or cruises@lochkatrine.com |
The dramatic scenery of
Loch Katrine was the inspiration and setting for Sir Walter Scott’s
first major work, The Lady of the Lake, and the author’s colourful
description of the Trossachs inspired the first tourists to venture into
the Scottish Highlands. Loch Katrine also lies deep in Clan McGregor
country and one of two clan graveyards is to be found near the head of the
loch, as is Glengyle House, birthplace
of the clan's most famous member, Rob Roy MacGregor. Loch Katrine’s place
in Scotland’s history is undisputed, but just as important is the role
the loch has played in the heritage and well-being of Glasgow.