Overview of Doon, Loch

A reservoir in East Ayrshire, Loch Doon represents the largest freshwater loch in Southern Scotland, lying at the head of the River Doon, 4 miles (6 km) south of Dalmellington. Extending for 5½ miles (9 km) from north to south and with a maximum width of 1½ miles (2.5 km), the loch is the principal reservoir of the Galloway Hydro-Electric Power Scheme and the border with Dumfries & Galloway runs along the eastern margin of the loch. The loch is only accessible by paved road from the north, with the southern end of the loch extending into the Galloway Forest and some the remotest land in the country. Although there is little in the way of settlement around the loch today, Loch Doon Castle was built in the 13th Century and their is evidence of occupation dating back to prehistoric times. A number of ancient canoes were discovered in the loch in 1823, containing an oak war-club, a battle-axe and some large animal teeth. One of these canoes is now preserved in the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow.

Around 1760, tunnels were driven under the loch by the Earl of Cassillis and McAdam of Craigengillan to lower its level and recover land for agriculture. However, the resulting land proved to have little value.

An aerial gunnery school was established around the loch during the First World War, involving the construction of an airfield, several military camps and a light-railway, the remains of which can still be seen running down the east side of the loch. The project was ill-considered because the weather made flying difficult for much of the year and, after questions were asked in Parliament, the scheme was abandoned in 1918.

A dam was built at the north end of the loch in 1935-36, and the water level raised to create a reservoir for generating hydro-electricity. The loch is a popular recreational fishery, with numerous trout and char.