Alemoor Loch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alemoor Loch |
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![]() Alemoor Loch
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Location | Scottish Borders, Scotland |
Coordinates | 55°26′N 2°57′W / 55.433°N 2.950°W |
Type | Reservoir |
Max. length | 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) |
Max. width | 0.4 kilometres (0.25 mi) |
Max. depth | 55 metres (180 ft) |
Alemoor Loch is a small reservoir located in the Scottish Borders area of Scotland. It sits on the Ale Water, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of the town of Hawick. This loch (which is the Scottish word for lake) is about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) long. A road called the B711 crosses the loch on a causeway, dividing it into two parts.
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About Alemoor Loch
Alemoor Loch is a man-made lake, also known as a reservoir. It was created to store water. The loch is a peaceful spot in the Scottish countryside. It's a great place to learn about nature and local history.
History of the Loch
Long ago, in the 1800s, Alemoor Loch was much smaller. It was described as being round, about 0.4 kilometers (0.25 miles) wide, and very deep, up to 55 meters (180 feet).
In the 1960s, a big change happened. A dam was built, and the loch was made much larger. It grew to the size you see today. An old farmhouse was left behind when the water rose. If the water level gets very low, you can sometimes still see its chimney pots sticking out!
Sadly, an old tower near Wester Alemoor, which used to stand by the loch, was destroyed before 1962 when a new road was built. In 2003, something cool was found near the loch: a large flint blade, which is a type of stone tool from ancient times.
Legends and Stories
Alemoor Loch has some interesting old stories connected to it. In the 1800s, people believed the loch was home to a "water-cow" or a kelpie. A kelpie is a mythical water spirit, often said to look like a horse, that lives in lochs and rivers.
Another old tale tells of a child who was carried away by an eagle and then dropped into the loch. These stories show how people used to imagine mysterious things about the deep waters of the loch. A poet named John Leyden even wrote about the loch's darker legends in his 1803 poem, Scenes of Infancy.
What You Can Do There Today
Today, Alemoor Loch is a popular spot for coarse fishing. This means fishing for freshwater fish that are not salmon or trout. The main types of fish you can find here are pike, perch, and roach. It's a calm place for people who enjoy fishing and being outdoors.