Roundhouse Loch doon

Location :

The History of Loch Doon

Loch Doon is the largest inland loch in Southern Scotland with spectacular scenery. It is approximately 5 miles in length and 1 mile at it's widest point. It nestles in the Galloway hills with stunning views of the Rhinns Of Kells. The "banks and braes of bonnie Doon" were also the inspiration for one of our national bard's poems. On the west shore of the loch stands the remains of Loch Doon Castle. The site of the castle now was not however its original position.
The original castle, dating from the 13th century was situated on a small island on the loch. The castle was moved in the 1930's when a hydro electric scheme was implemented at Loch Doon. This meant that the water level of the Loch would be raised, jeopardising the stability of the castle foundations. It was decided to move the castle stone by stone to the site that it sits on today. When the level of the loch is low it is still possible to see the top of Castle Island with some of the remaining stones from the castle. There are other islands on the loch which can be seen including Pickmaw Island which was reputedly used as a prison by the keepers of the castle.
Loch Doon was also the site of the first Ariel Gunnery School. This project tried to establish an aerial gunnery range with rail mounted targets which zigzagged down steep hillsides to mimic "enemy aircraft" in flight. Opposite the Dam on the far shore you are still able to see (at low water) the large concrete blocks that carried a monorail which allowed a small pug train to pull mounted targets along the shore line toward Errif Bay, and the daring young men in their flying machines would attempt to shoot them.The project included the construction of an airfield at Bogton Loch on the right as you enter Dalmellington from the North on the A713, a dam, a hydro-electric scheme, a light railway and several camp sites as well as sewage and water systems and a cinema for military personnel and p.o.w's that were held at Loch Doon. Work began in September 1916 and was abandoned in January 1918 when it was realised that adverse weather conditions made flying impossible a lot of the time. The wet marshy ground was also unsuitable for use as an airfield. The project wasted £3m (the equivalent to over £100m in today's money) Many interesting things have been found in and around the loch which help piece together the history of Loch Doon including, 9 ancient canoes containing an oak war-club and a battle axe which were discovered in 1826.
Some of the relics can be seen at the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow. In 1941 a spitfire ditched in the loch, unfortunatley the czech pilot perished and his remains have never been recovered, his great nephew (in Czechoslovakia) heard of the aircraft recovery in 1982 by The Dumfries And Galloway Aqua club, and set off with a friend on a pilgrimage to the Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum and presented himself at their door and in broken English ''i've come to see my great uncles plane'' after confirming his identity to the Curator of the museum he did infact get to see his great uncles aircraft and was giving a momento to take home to the family. The remains of the aircraft including the merlin engine have undergone restoration and are on display at the Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum.




How to get to Loch Doon:
Carrick - Loch Doon is in Galloway Forest Park.
From Dalmellington:
Loch Doon is situated four miles south of Dalmellington, Turn right at Mossdale farm on the A713 - signed Galloway Forest Park. Follow this road for roughly 2.5 miles to loch doon Dam and the Roundhouse Cafe. You can now appreciate a lovely coffee, uninterupted views over Loch Doon towards the Rhinns of Kells and the Galloway Hills.

Dalmellington is the nearest town or village.
OS Grid Reference: NX476942

For details of public transport visit http://www.travelinescotland.com