Kilbirnie Loch: Difference between revisions

Add links
Coordinates: 55°45′N 4°41′W / 55.750°N 4.683°W / 55.750; -4.683
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Line 32: Line 32:
==History==
==History==
[[File:Lagoon at south end of Kilbirnie Loch.JPG|left|thumb|A view at the south end of the loch.]]
[[File:Lagoon at south end of Kilbirnie Loch.JPG|left|thumb|A view at the south end of the loch.]]
Situated in the Parish of Kilbirnie and the ancient [[Glengarnock Castle|Barony of Glengarnock]] once held by the Cuninghams, a cadet branch of the [[Earl of Glencairn|Earls of Glencairn]] from [[Kilmaurs]]. 'Loc Tancu' is the earliest recorded name from circa 1210 and the name 'Loch Tankard', 'Thankard' or 'Thankart' was used locally.<ref name="D">Douglas, Page 107</ref> A farm named 'Unthank' or 'Onthank' existed near the old Nether Mill and together with 'Thankard' may be derived from 'Tancu'. The term 'Garnoth' has also been used and may derive from 'Garnock'. In early feudal times many [[Flemings]] were granted land in the valley of the Clyde, including an individual named 'Thankard', who gave his name to Tankerton, Wice in Wiston, Lambin in Lamington and William, the ancestor of the family of Douglas.<ref name="AWAS">AWAS (1880), Page 24</ref><ref>[http://www.burkespeerage.com/articles/scotland/page14e.aspx Farewell to Feudalism] Retrieved : 2010-10-13</ref> A Lochend Farm existed in the area that is now occupied by Glengarnock.
The loch is situated in the Parish of Kilbirnie and the ancient [[Glengarnock Castle|Barony of Glengarnock]] once held by the Cuninghams, a cadet branch of the [[Earl of Glencairn|Earls of Glencairn]] from [[Kilmaurs]]; it later formed part of the estate of the Crawfurds of Kilbirnie as a result of marriage with the Cunninghams.<ref name="D"/> 'Loc Tancu' is the earliest recorded name from circa 1210 and the name 'Loch Tankard', 'Thankard' or 'Thankart' was used locally.<ref name="D">Douglas, Page 107</ref> A farm named 'Unthank' or 'Onthank' existed near the old Nether Mill and together with 'Thankard' may be derived from 'Tancu'. The term 'Garnoth' has also been used and may derive from 'Garnock'. In early feudal times many [[Flemings]] were granted land in the valley of the Clyde, including an individual named 'Thankard', who gave his name to Tankerton, Wice in Wiston, Lambin in Lamington and William, the ancestor of the family of Douglas.<ref name="AWAS">AWAS (1880), Page 24</ref><ref>[http://www.burkespeerage.com/articles/scotland/page14e.aspx Farewell to Feudalism] Retrieved : 2010-10-13</ref> A Lochend Farm existed in the area that is now occupied by Glengarnock.


The loch once belonged to the Cunninghames of Glengarnock but the Craufurds of Kilbirnie disputed their right; these families broke one anothers' boats, etc. Both parties had the loch included in their titles.<ref>[http://www.s1kilbirnie.com/news/who-owns-kilbirnie-loch-.html Loch Owners] Retrieved : 2010-10-10</ref>
As stated, the loch once belonged to the Cunninghames of Glengarnock, but the Craufurds of Kilbirnie disputed their rights over rowing and fishing;ref name="D"/> these families broke one anothers' boats, etc. until inter-marriage solved the problem. Both clans had the loch included in their title deeds.<ref>[http://www.s1kilbirnie.com/news/who-owns-kilbirnie-loch-.html Loch Owners] Retrieved : 2010-10-10</ref>


The boundary shown in 1654 between the baronies of Kilbirnie and Renfrew did not follow the Maich Water and Dubbs Water, it even ran into the loch itself, reflecting the aforementioned disputes.<ref>[http://maps.nls.uk/atlas/blaeu/view/?id=86 Blaeu's Map] Retrieved : 2010-10-20</ref>
The boundary shown in 1654 between the baronies of Kilbirnie and Renfrew did not follow the Maich Water and Dubbs Water, it even ran into the loch itself, reflecting the aforementioned disputes.<ref>[http://maps.nls.uk/atlas/blaeu/view/?id=86 Blaeu's Map] Retrieved : 2010-10-20</ref>

Revision as of 13:16, 22 October 2010

Kilbirnie Loch
LocationNorth Ayrshire, Scotland
Coordinates55°45′N 4°41′W / 55.750°N 4.683°W / 55.750; -4.683
Typefreshwater loch
Primary inflowsMaich Water
Primary outflowsDubbs Water
Basin countriesScotland
Max. length2 km (1.2 mi)
Max. width0.5 km (0.31 mi)
Surface area3.08 km2 (761 acres)
Average depth5.2m (17 feet)
Max. depth105ft
Surface elevation50 m (160 ft)
IslandsThe Cairn Crannog (destroyed)
SettlementsKilbirnie, Beith

Kilbirnie Loch (NS 330 543), is situated in the floodplain of between Kilbirnie, Glengarnock and Beith, and runs south-west to north-east for almost 2 km (1.16 miles), is about 0.5 km wide for the most part and has an area of roughly 3 km2 (761 acres). It has a general depth of around 5.2 metres (17 feet) to a maximum of around 11 metres (36 feet). Kilbirnie Loch is a LSNC (Local Site for Nature Conservation) in terms of the Ayrshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan (ALBAP). It is drained by the Dubbs Water that runs into Castle Semple Loch and fed by the Maich Water. The boundary between East Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire, in the vicinity of the loch, runs down the course of the Maich Water along the northern loch shore to then run up beside the Dubbs Water.

History

A view at the south end of the loch.

The loch is situated in the Parish of Kilbirnie and the ancient Barony of Glengarnock once held by the Cuninghams, a cadet branch of the Earls of Glencairn from Kilmaurs; it later formed part of the estate of the Crawfurds of Kilbirnie as a result of marriage with the Cunninghams.[1] 'Loc Tancu' is the earliest recorded name from circa 1210 and the name 'Loch Tankard', 'Thankard' or 'Thankart' was used locally.[1] A farm named 'Unthank' or 'Onthank' existed near the old Nether Mill and together with 'Thankard' may be derived from 'Tancu'. The term 'Garnoth' has also been used and may derive from 'Garnock'. In early feudal times many Flemings were granted land in the valley of the Clyde, including an individual named 'Thankard', who gave his name to Tankerton, Wice in Wiston, Lambin in Lamington and William, the ancestor of the family of Douglas.[2][3] A Lochend Farm existed in the area that is now occupied by Glengarnock.

As stated, the loch once belonged to the Cunninghames of Glengarnock, but the Craufurds of Kilbirnie disputed their rights over rowing and fishing;ref name="D"/> these families broke one anothers' boats, etc. until inter-marriage solved the problem. Both clans had the loch included in their title deeds.[4]

The boundary shown in 1654 between the baronies of Kilbirnie and Renfrew did not follow the Maich Water and Dubbs Water, it even ran into the loch itself, reflecting the aforementioned disputes.[5]

Lochside Farm was present on the north-west side of the loch in the 19th century, lying below and to the south-west of Lochrig, later Lochridge, as shown on the 19th century OS map; a 'Flax Pond' for rhetting flax, as part of the process of linen manufacture, is also shown nearby on the loch bank; it is now visible as a wet area dominated by rushes. The firm of William & James Knox, linen thread manufacterers, established as early as 1788, are still based in Kilbirnie. Scotland was amongst the first producers of flax.[6] The road running down to the loch here from Baxter Head became known locally as the 'Shanks-McEwan Road' after the company that was contracted to remove the old steelwork's slag heaps.

The Glengarnock Ironworks and the later steelworks produced slag and other wastes which were disposed of into the loch, significantly reducing its size and depth.[2][7] The south-west section of the loch is still hazardous due to slag lying close to the surface.

The Earl of Eglinton had proposed building a canal from Ardrossan to Glasgow which would have run close by to Kilbirnie Loch.[8]

The place name 'Kerse' used for the farms and the bridge at the northern end of the loch refers in Scots to 'Low and fertile land adjacent to a river or loch'.[9] The old Barony of Kersland was held by the Kerr family; by chance or by association with this site the surname Kerr may derive from the nature of the location.

Archaeology

A reconstructed crannog on Loch Tay
A Scottish dugout canoe

In 1868 a crannog, its causeway and up to four logboats were revealed at the south-west corner of the loch as a result of dumping of furnace-slag from the now closed ironworks,[2] causing the lake-bed sediments to be pushed upwards so that the crannog and logboat remains were exposed above the surface of the water. A site known as 'The Cairn' was already recognised, being exposed during exceptionally low water conditions.[10] The crannog and causeway are marked on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ayrshire, sheet viii) at NS 3238 5356. Two of the boats were recorded in some detail. The most complete of the logboats was 18' (5.5m) in length, 3' (0.9m) in breadth and circa 2' (0.6m) in 'depth'; about 2' (0.6m) had been lost from the bow. The stern was 'square'. A tripod pit and a bronze ewer were found in one of the boats, now preserved at the Royal Museum of Scotland. These items were not contemporary with the logboat.[11] The boat itself disintegrated rapidly on exposure to air. Part of a second logboat was subsequently found 'close by the island'; its fate is not recorded. This boat was worked from 'oak'.[12]

In May 1952 part of a logboat was found on the west side of the loch and on the property of the Glengarnock Steelworks; slag-dumping operations were responsible for revealing it. Analysis of pollen from the mud found in the timber suggested that the logboat was from between about 3000 and 700bc. The surviving portion of the boat was donated to Paisley Museum.[13]

The southern end of the loch was the site of infill with slag and other wastles from 1841 onwards, the greatest loss of open water being between 1859 and 1909. By 1930 the southern end infill had largely ceased, however infill from the west bank continued for some time.[14]

Access

The site of the old Beith North "Low" railway station close to the northern end of Kilbirnie Loch
An 1811 map showing Kilbirny Loch (Sic) and the course of the proposed canal to Glasgow.

The loch is owned by the Crown Estates, however 'riparian owners' possess the loch shoreline and have certain duties and obligations as well as rights.[15]

At the Kilbirnie end the loch can be accessed by following the B777 to the Lochshore Industrial Estate. This provides ample parking and the road leads to the boat launching area in the south-west corner of the loch.

At the Beith end the unclassified 'Kerse' road runs between Beith and the A760 enables access to the northern shore of the loch. Parking along the roadside is difficult. At the railway bridge (NS 338 552) close to the old station is a rough track which leads down to the lochside ­and parking in this area is hazardous. The track and the area at the bottom are used by the local Kayak Club. Access to the land along the north shore is dependent upon the good will of the landowner at Kerse Bridge Kennels.

Habitats

Bogbean in full flower.

The loch's southern end is dominated by large areas of mown grass with mature grown bushes and wood copses. The western shore for the first 0.75 km or so is composed of planted Willow with some older deciduous trees; round the loch into the very north-east corner, pastures surround the loch. Along the western part, the ground slopes quite steeply down to the loch. The northern shore itself is level and there are areas of marshy ground. The eastern side of the loch is a narrow strip of reedbed and bogbean grows in sheltered area.[16]

The Mains and Willowyard burns feed the loch from the eastern side and the Black Burn enters from the north-west. In addition to the Dubbs Water, a small burn also drains the loch at the southern end, running into the Powgree Burn which then has its confluence with the Garnock Water in Glengarnock.

The relatively rare plant known as Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata) grows in sheltered areas on the west bank of the loch.

Activities on the loch

A number of groups use the loch and its surrounds, such as the Kilbirnie Angling Club, Garnock Canoe and Boating Club, Kyle Water Ski Club, the Model Boat Club, Garnock Rugby Club, and the Garnock Valley Model Aircraft Club.

Curling

A contemporary scene from the 19th century of curling in Ayrshire.

Before the advent of the ironworks the loch was used for curling and in the 19th century the Paisley Saint Mirren Curling Club records show that they played in matches for Royal Caledonian Curling Club medals at Kilbirnie Loch.[17] A Bonspiel took place at the nearby Barr Loch on 11 January 1850 and attracted huge crowds. The North won for the first time by a majority of 233 shots.[18] The Curling Stone manufacturer, J & W Muir, were at one time based in Beith.[19]

'The History of Curling. 1800-1833' records that 'In Beith there were then, as there are now, many keen and good curlers who flocked down to Kilbirnie when the "icy chain' was safely thrown over it.[20]

Angling

Kilbirnie is well known as a fishing loch with big pike and large stocks of roach, plus rainbow and brown trout; boat and bank fishing take place.[21] The Kilbirnie Angling Club was founded in 1904 when it fished Kilbirnie Loch and the Plan Dam. In 1934 the club began fishing the Dubbs Water[22] and now leases the Maich Water, Kilbirnie Loch, the Barr Loch, and the Dubbs Water from the Crown Estates.[23] In 1874 it is recorded as being well stored with pike, trout, perch, and eel.[1]

Bird watching

Late autumn through winter are the times of greatest interest. Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot and Mute Swan are present throughout the year, but it is towards the end of September before numbers and species begin to increase. Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Teal and possibly Goosander with sometimes Smew and Scaup. Cormorant are frequent, with Grey Heron patrolling the banks, and ubiquitous gulls.[16]

Water Skiing

The club rents an equipment store from North Ayrshire Council, has the use of a slipway, and owns a short jetty. Three slalom courses and two 'Free skiing' areas are located on the loch.

Micro-history

The loch and a view of the whisky bonds.
The loch during the winter of 2009-2010.

One of the buildings at the Kerse Bridge was the old 'Railway Inn' serving the railway station that once stood across the road from it.

The Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald recorded that in 1904-05 a model yacht race under the auspices of Townhead Model Yacht Club on Kilbirnie Loch the result was: 1, John Martin, jun (Thistle); 2, James Martin (Swift); 3, John Martin (Helena); 4, William McCosh (Reliance)); 5, William Taylor (Genesta); 6, John Taylor (Bona); 7, Robert Taylor (Rover); 8, Robert Martin (Fairlie).[24]

A possible relic of the smuggling days of Beith is the Ley tunnel that is said to run from the site of the Grace Church on Eglinton Street to Kilbirnie Loch.[25]

In 1559 Hugh Montgomery of Hessilhead held the lands of old extent of Williyard,in the parish of Beith and regality of Kilwinning. These lands were passed to Helen, daughter of Robert Lord Boyd, in her pure, spotless, and inviolate virginity and were held by her for life, the feu for the property passing to the abbot and convent of Kilwinning.[26]

The Willowyard Industrial Estate is situated between the loch and the town of Kilbirnie. A whisky bond is also located in the area with a number of large storage buildings.[27] The main railway line from Ayr to Glagow runs below the industrial estate and forms the eastern margin of the loch in places.

A geocache is located on the lochside. Kilbirnie Loch is said to be the only Scottish loch to have its main exit at the same end as the source river.

Scottish Enterprise owns much of the former steelworks site, tree plantations now cover areas of former industral activity.

The North Ayrshire Council Ranger Service regularly patrols the loch and work with the Kilbirnie Loch Management Group to licence boats using the loch, monitor fishing, canoeing, sailing, and power boat use. The use of the loch is regulated by Scottish Countryside Access legislation.


References

Notes

  1. ^ a b c Douglas, Page 107
  2. ^ a b c AWAS (1880), Page 24
  3. ^ Farewell to Feudalism Retrieved : 2010-10-13
  4. ^ Loch Owners Retrieved : 2010-10-10
  5. ^ Blaeu's Map Retrieved : 2010-10-20
  6. ^ Strawhorn, Page 392
  7. ^ Campbell, Page 198
  8. ^ Love (2003), Page 73
  9. ^ Scots Dictionary Retrieved : 2010-10-21
  10. ^ AWAS (1880), Page 25
  11. ^ Kinniburgh, Page 113
  12. ^ RCAHMS Retrieved : 2010-10-10]
  13. ^ RCAHMS Retrieved : 2010-10-10]
  14. ^ Kinninburgh, Page 114
  15. ^ Loch Owners Retrieved : 2010-10-10
  16. ^ a b Birding Sites Retrieved : 2010-10-10
  17. ^ Paisley St. Mirren Curling Club. Retrieved : 2010-10-10
  18. ^ Murray, Pages 98 - 101.
  19. ^ Curling History. Retrieved : 2010-10-13
  20. ^ History of Curling. Retrieved : 2010-10-10.
  21. ^ Fishing at Kilbirnie Loch Retrieved : 2010-10-10
  22. ^ Kinninburgh, Page 93
  23. ^ Kilbirnie Angling Club (2010)
  24. ^ Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald Retrieved : 2010-10-10
  25. ^ Beith Online Retrieved : 2010-10-10
  26. ^ AWAS (1882), Page 184
  27. ^ Love (2003), Page 84

Sources

  • Archaeological & Historical Collections relating to the counties of Ayrshire & Wigtown. Edinburgh : Ayr Wig Arch Soc. 1880.
  • Archaeological & Historical Collections relating to the counties of Ayrshire & Wigtown. Edinburgh : Ayr Wig Arch Soc. 1882.
  • Campbell, Thorbjørn (2003). Ayrshire. A Historical Guide. Edinburgh : Birlinn. ISBN 1-84158-267-0.
  • Douglas, William Scott (1874). In Ayrshire. Kilmarnock : McKie & Drennan.
  • Kinniburgh, Moira & Burke, Fiona (1995). Kilbirnie & Glengarnock. Shared Memories. Kilbirnie Library. ISBN 1-897998-01-5.
  • Love, Dane (2003). Ayrshire : Discovering a County. Ayr : Fort Publishing. ISBN 0-9544461-1-9.
  • Murray, W. H. (1981), The Curling Companion. Glasgow : Richard Drew. ISBN 0-904002-80-2.
  • Strawhorn, John and Boyd, William (1951). The Third Statistical Account of Scotland. Ayrshire. Edinburgh : Oliver & Boyd.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kilbirnie Loch.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kilbirnie_Loch&oldid=392211147"