Loch Errochty facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loch Errochty |
|
|---|---|
The eastern end from Beinn a' Chuallaich
|
|
 Loch Errochty
Location in Perth and Kinross
|
|
| Location | Perth and Kinross, Scotland |
| Coordinates | 56°45′40″N 4°8′40″W / 56.76111°N 4.14444°W |
| Type | freshwater loch, reservoir |
| Basin countries | United Kingdom |
| Max. length | 5 km (3.1 mi) |
| Max. width | 1 km (0.62 mi) |
| Surface area | 3.03 km2 (1.17 sq mi) |
| Surface elevation | 330 m (1,080 ft) |
Loch Errochty is a large, man-made freshwater loch (which is the Scottish word for lake). It is located in Perth and Kinross, Scotland. This loch was created as an important part of a big project to make electricity using water power.
Contents
About Loch Errochty
Loch Errochty is located in a valley called Glen Errochty. It is about 5 kilometres (3 miles) long and 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) wide at its widest point. The loch was created in 1957 by building a dam across the Errochty Water river. This dam is 49 metres (161 feet) high and 354 metres (1,161 feet) long. It's a very strong type of dam, built to handle any ground movements.
How it Makes Power
Loch Errochty is a key part of the Tummel hydro-electric power scheme. This scheme uses the power of falling water to generate electricity. Water from Loch Errochty travels through a long, 10-kilometre (6-mile) tunnel. This tunnel leads to the Errochty power station, which is located near Loch Tummel.
The power station can produce a lot of electricity, up to 75 megawatts. This makes it the biggest power producer in the Tummel scheme. After the water has been used to make electricity, some of it is released back into the Errochty Water river. This water first goes through a smaller power station at Trinafour, which also makes a small amount of electricity.
Where the Water Comes From
Loch Errochty gets its water from several places. Its main feeder streams are the Allt Sléibh and the Allt Ruighe nan Saorach. These streams start in the high hills to the west of the loch. Other small streams also flow directly from the nearby mountain, Beinn a' Chuallaich, which is 892 metres (2,927 feet) high.
Collecting Extra Water
To make sure there's enough water for electricity, extra water is brought into the loch from the east. This is done using a system called the Errochty catchwater. It's a network of tunnels and pipes that collect water from five small streams that usually flow into the River Garry. It even collects some water from the River Garry itself.
This collected water then travels through a tunnel in a hill. It joins Loch Errochty, adding more water to the loch. This clever system allows the water to be used multiple times to generate electricity. In fact, some water in the Tummel scheme can pass through five different power stations, making electricity five times!
Exploring and Fishing
There is a narrow road along the north shore of Loch Errochty. However, it is not open to general cars, as there is a locked gate at Trinafour. On the south side of the loch, there are many trees near the dam. A track goes through these woods and continues along the south shore. It eventually reaches the ruins of an old place called Ruighe nan Saorach.
Fishing in the Loch
Fishing is a popular activity on Loch Errochty. You can find large Pike and Perch in the loch. However, there are no salmon here. This is because there isn't a special "fish ladder" at the dam. A fish ladder would allow salmon to swim past the dam to lay their eggs. If you want to fish, you need to get a permit from the Auchleeks estate.
Old Buildings and History
Along the southern shore of Loch Errochty, you can see the remains of many old buildings. These are thought to be what's left of old sheep farms. These farms were in the valley before it was flooded to create the loch. You can still see parts of old farmhouses, shielings (small huts used by shepherds), and sheep pens. Some walls are still about 30 centimetres (12 inches) high. It is believed that many more of these old buildings are now underwater.
