A canal at Tarbert

IF you want to find out more about the local history of Kintyre or post some interesting stories then here is the place! All contributors welcome! You can also check out the Historic Kintyre and Down Memory Lane websites.

A canal at Tarbert

Postby eigghead » Mon Jan 28, 2013 2:19 pm

I'm interested in learning more about the 19th century plans for a canal across the peninsula at Tarbert. The ideas sound dramatic - a lock free cutting (therefore very different from the Crinan Canal) and even some high bridges under which ships could pass in full sail.

One or two items are on the web, but does anyone know of any further information or where it might be located?

Are there any local tales or anecdotes?

Thanks
eigghead
Too Shy To Talk Much
Too Shy To Talk Much
 
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2013 1:52 pm


Re: A canal at Tarbert

Postby dunc99 » Mon Jan 28, 2013 3:05 pm

dunc99
Happy Camper
Happy Camper
 
Posts: 68
Joined: Tue Jul 10, 2007 10:33 am


Re: A canal at Tarbert

Postby Shona » Mon Jan 28, 2013 8:29 pm



Fascinating article - thanks for posting the link.

Shona
Shona
Active Poster
Active Poster
 
Posts: 384
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2012 4:28 pm


Re: A canal at Tarbert

Postby eigghead » Tue Jan 29, 2013 12:30 pm

Yes, I saw that on the internet - the best information I have seen so far! Thanks.

Any idea where that detailed info was found? (I presume the Duncan who put it there might be dunc99?...)

None of the classic canal history books I've seen seem to mention a canal at Tarbert, though one does say James Watt (who developed the ideas at Tarbert) surveyed the line of a possible canal from Campbeltown right over to Macrihanish.
eigghead
Too Shy To Talk Much
Too Shy To Talk Much
 
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2013 1:52 pm


Re: A canal at Tarbert

Postby Shona » Tue Jan 29, 2013 1:18 pm

Check this link. Most of the papers relating to the Tarbert Canal are privately held, but requests can be made to see them.

http://195.153.34.9/onlineregister/deta ... r=NRAS3583

Shona
Shona
Active Poster
Active Poster
 
Posts: 384
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2012 4:28 pm


Re: A canal at Tarbert

Postby Bitter End » Tue Jan 29, 2013 4:45 pm

See "The Canals Of Scotland " by Jean Lindsay --1968-- published by David and Charles -- printed by Latimer Trend & Co Ltd

"In March 1771 the magistrates of Glasgow sent a petition to the Commissioner of Forfeited Estates asking that a survey should be made from Loch Gilp on the west side of Loch Fyne to Loch Crinan on the Sound of Jura or from East Loch Tarbert on Loch Fyne to West Loch Tarbert . They said that if an entrance were made from the west sea into Loch Fyne by a canal of 7 feet or more in depth, half of the herring busses could pass and repass that way without going round the dangerous Mull of Kintyre, and it would 'open easy and short communication between the Clyde and the west coast as far north as Cape Wrath and with all the Western Isles, so that timber bark,kelp,grain and fish might be brought to market cheaper and with less danger than by doubling the Mull' .
In June the same year, therefore ,James Watt obtained leave of absence from the Monkland Canal to make a survey of ' Tarbit of Cantyre and Loch Gilp' for the Commissioners. Watt gave estimates for canals 7ft and 10ft deep for each route . "
------ ----- --- "for the canals across the isthmus of Tarbert the estimated costs were £17,988 and £23,844 " ---- ---- "the length of the Tarbert canal being 1mile" ---- [ Crinan Canal estimates 4 and3/4 miles and costing £34,879 and £48,405 ] -----
Twice through the eye o' the sun to lift it.
Bitter End
Forum Addict
Forum Addict
 
Posts: 1099
Joined: Sun Sep 18, 2005 2:45 pm
Location: below the depths o' degradation an slowly sinkin


Re: A canal at Tarbert

Postby lochend » Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:49 pm

Not strictly on subject but was interested to read of a canal in Campbeltoen to service the pit!http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/81640/details/campbeltown+coal+canal/
User avatar
lochend
Active Poster
Active Poster
 
Posts: 272
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2011 3:25 pm
Location: Wirral



Return to Local History and Discussion

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 5 guests