Glenlochar

Glenlochar (Gd: Gleann Lochair) is a small hamlet on the western bank of the River Dee in the parish of Balmaghie, Dumfries and Galloway. Glenlochar is located one and a half miles south of Balmaghie Kirk and three miles (5 km) north of Castle Douglas.

The Glenlochar Barrage on the River Dee is part of the Galloway Hydro Electric Scheme.

The buried remains of a large Roman fort exist on the eastern bank of the River Dee, opposite Glenlochar. The fort was built in 81 AD by the Governor Gnaeus Julius Agricola and enclosed an area roughly 7 acres (28,000 m2).[1]

There was an abbey constructed in Glenlochar in the early 10th century, but didn't exist for a very long time as far as can be ascertained. The Abbey was burnt down not many years after it was built. Possibly at the time of a battle which took place nearby between the Danes and the Gallovidians. It is believed that many of the stones from the ruin of this abbey were used in construction of Threave Castle in the 14th Century.

During World War II Glenlochar was used as a training camp for the construction of Bailey bridges. The concrete slab foundations of the camp are still visible. An unexploded bomb shell was found at the site and a controlled explosion was conducted in 2002 .

Glenlochar has a small community centre and a car park that used to be a local school.

Coordinates: 54°57′32″N 3°58′59″W / 54.959°N 3.983°W / 54.959; -3.983

References

  1. ↑ Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland
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