Sluices, Caledonian Canal, Strone

These canal sluices, dating to circa 1815, were designed by Thomas Telford as part of the Caledonian Canal. They comprise a high, segmental-headed tunnel with straight sides, serving a sluice flanked by a semi-circular winged abutment on the south bank of the canal. The structure is built from squared rubble with tooled ashlar dressings and an arch ring. Squared rubble walling flanks the sluice gate within the canal, and there are three cast-iron winding gear covers and a cast-iron handrail. The arched abutment also carries a path running along the south side of the canal, with the semi-circular head of the abutment raised to form a parapet. The site is positioned opposite Carn Phail old burial ground. References include Thomas Telford’s Biographical Atlas of 1838, plate 15.