River Garry, Inverness-shire facts for kids
The River Garry is a long and important river in the Scottish Highlands. It flows through a series of beautiful lochs (lakes) in an area called Lochaber. This river is not just pretty; some of its lochs are part of a big project from the 1960s that uses water to make electricity. This is called a hydroelectricity scheme.
The River Garry starts in a wild area known as The Rough Bounds. From there, it flows into Loch Quoich. It then travels east and meets another river, the River Kingie, at a spot called the Kingie Pool. After this, the River Garry continues its journey into Loch Poulary, and then into the larger Loch Garry. The last part of the river is about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) long. It finally flows into Loch Oich, which is part of the famous Great Glen. This happens just east of the village of Invergarry, which the river also passes through. Near Invergarry, you can find the ruins of Invergarry Castle, which dates back to the 1600s.
Contents
Exploring the River Garry's Journey
The River Garry's path is like a journey through several connected lochs. Understanding its flow helps us see how it connects different parts of the landscape.
Where Does the River Garry Begin?
The River Garry starts its adventure in a rugged and remote area known as The Rough Bounds. This is a wild part of the Scottish Highlands, full of mountains and valleys.
How Does the River Garry Flow?
After starting in The Rough Bounds, the River Garry flows into Loch Quoich. From Loch Quoich, it travels east until it meets the River Kingie. This meeting point is known as the Kingie Pool. The river then continues its journey into Loch Poulary, and after that, it flows into the much larger Loch Garry.
Where Does the River Garry End?
The final part of the River Garry is about 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) long. This section flows into Loch Oich. Loch Oich is an important part of the Great Glen, a long valley that stretches across Scotland. The River Garry joins Loch Oich just east of the village of Invergarry. The river actually runs right through Invergarry village.
The History of Glen Garry
The valley around the River Garry is known as Glen Garry. This area has a rich history and is especially important to a Scottish clan.
Who Lived in Glen Garry?
Glen Garry was the traditional home of the Clan MacDonell of Glengarry. This clan is a branch of the larger Clan Donald, one of the biggest and most powerful Scottish clans. The MacDonells of Glengarry played a significant role in the history of the Highlands.
Hydroelectricity and the River Garry
Many of the lochs connected by the River Garry are part of a modern project. This project helps to create electricity for people to use.
What is Hydroelectricity?
Hydroelectricity is a way of making electricity using the power of moving water. In the 1960s, a scheme was developed along the River Garry. This scheme uses the water from the lochs to turn turbines, which then generate electricity. It's a clean and renewable way to power homes and businesses.
