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Gairlochy Locks, Lighthouse and Signal Lamp is a scheduled monument in Inverness-shire, forming part of the Caledonian Canal's critical infrastructure. The locks sit upon fault zone bedrock comprising mylonitic rock and fault-breccia, geological features that reflect the ancient tectonic disturbances shaping the Great Glen. This challenging terrain required substantial engineering to accommodate the canal's passage through the glen.
The monument comprises three functional elements working in concert to manage canal traffic and navigation. The locks themselves regulate water levels as vessels transit the canal, whilst the lighthouse and signal lamp provided essential guidance and communication for boat operators negotiating this inland waterway. The combination of structures represents the integrated approach to nineteenth-century canal engineering, where mechanical and visual systems ensured safe passage through difficult terrain.
Protected as a scheduled monument under Historic Environment Scotland reference SM5294, Gairlochy Locks and its associated structures survive as tangible evidence of the engineering ambitions that opened the Scottish Highlands to canal-borne commerce and travel. The site remains functionally important within the working Caledonian Canal, demonstrating how historic infrastructure has been maintained and adapted for contemporary use.
Caledonian Canal, Gairlochy Locks, lighthouse and signal lamp is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM5294. View the official record →
Gairlochy Locks, Lighthouse and Signal Lamp is a scheduled monument in Inverness-shire, forming part of the Caledonian Canal's critical infrastructure. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM5294.
Caledonian Canal, Gairlochy Locks, lighthouse and signal lamp is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM5294.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Caledonian Canal,Moy Bridge to Gairlochy (1.4 km), Caledonian Canal,Moy Swing Bridge (2.4 km), Eilean Loch Airceig,crannog and chapel (4.8 km).
This page is just one thread. A full Aubrey report pulls together 14 strands of Caledonian Canal, Gairlochy Locks, lighthouse and signal lamp's history, each drawn from the record and mapped to the exact spot:
Every location is different. Not every section appears for every place, only what the historical record actually holds turns up in a report.
Caledonian Canal, Gairlochy Locks, lighthouse and signal lamp stands on Fault Zone Rocks, Unassigned, bedrock that formed in the Age unknown. The rock here is mylonitic-rock and fault-breccia.