Description

The monument comprises a stretch of aqueduct, part of the Big Cut.

The length of this stretch is approximately 1000m and extends by a sinuous route from the Stravannan Burn on the west to the west edge of the Moor Road beside Reservoir Wood. The aqueduct, now largely dry, measures up to 10m in width.

The area to be scheduled includes the aqueduct as described and an area on either side in which traces of activities associated with its construction and use may survive, measuring 20m across and very approximately 1000m in length, extending from its start beside the Stravannan Burn to the W edge of Moor Road, as marked in red on the accompanying map extract.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it forms part of a series of aqueducts, or water-cuts, designed by the distinguished Scots engineer, Robert Thom. He died, and was buired, in Rothesay. The aqueducts and dam were constructed between 1811 and 1822 to provide a workable water-supply to Thom's cotton mills in Rothesay, and the ingenius way in which he wrung every last drop of water from off the landscape of central Bute is physically demonstrated by these remains and a lasting testimony to one of Scotland's notable engineers and inventors.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

References:

Earls, A 1945, 'Robert Thom and his work on water power for the Rothesay cotton mills', Trans Buteshire Natur Hist Soc, vol.13, 129.

Ferrier, J 1966, 'Robert Thom's water-cuts', Trans Glasgow Archaeol Soc, New, vol.15, 3, 129.

Sharp, R, 'The Cotton Industry in Bute', Trans Buteshire Natur Hist Soc, vol.2, 12.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland