We received the following meeage today from Scottish Canals:

Unusually high water levels on Loch Oich, as a result of heavy rains and snow melt, have significantly undermined the weir at Cullochy (approx six miles south of Fort Augustus on the Caledonian Canal) and partially washed it away, causing a major breach of the canal embankment. While there is no risk to life or property, there has been an impact on the flow of water between the canal and the local system of lochs. Loch Oich is currently approximately 1 metre lower than normal, although the water level was higher than normal over the last weekend due to the excessive rainfall.

Scottish Canals responded immediately and both our operations and engineering staff were on site within a few hours to assess the situation. While the imperative is to stem the flow of water at the weir, this is no easy job. Therefore, as an immediate measure, we have decided to stem the flow near to Aberchalder Bridge as this will enable us to carry out repairs on the weir effectively. We currently have contractors on site stabilising the towpath side of the weir and creating access points next to Aberchalder Bridge. This will enable excavators to get close to the canal and unload rock armour into the water to act as a dam, which will then allow us to carry out the necessary repairs to the weir itself. Once the repairs are complete, we will need to remove the dam next to the bridge.

This is a significant and unforeseen breach of the canal which requires a major civil engineering response and it could be into June before it is completed fully. This will mean that the Caledonian Canal at this location, and for sea to sea transits,  could be closed to navigation until the end of April, however we will do all we can to carry out the work as quickly as possible in order to minimise the impact on our customers.

We have already moved a number of boats away from the site and informed our commercial operators and partners, such as SEPA.

We will continue to keep customers regularly informed of progress and will provide updates on our website www.scottishcanals.co.uk and via our social media channels.