The Kintyre Forum

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

Have you seen this on the internet?

http://kintyrewestroad.multiply.com/journal/item/87/Tarbert_Canal%3ETarbert%20Canal?&show_interstitial=1&u=%2Fjournal%2Fitem

dunc99 wrote:Have you seen this on the internet?

http://kintyrewestroad.multiply.com/journal/item/87/Tarbert_Canal%3ETarbert%20Canal?&show_interstitial=1&u=%2Fjournal%2Fitem

Fascinating article - thanks for posting the link.

Shona

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.

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

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 ] -----

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/