Lugton Water Explained

Lugton Water
Subdivision Type1:Country
Subdivision Name1:Scotland
Subdivision Type3:Region
Subdivision Name3:East Renfrewshire, North Ayrshire
Length:14miles
Source1:Loch Libo
Source1 Location:Uplawmoor, East Renfrewshire
Source1 Elevation:395feet
Mouth:River Garnock
Mouth Location:Kilwinning, North Ayrshire

The Lugton Water, the largest tributary of the River Garnock, runs 14miles from Loch Libo (395 feet above sea-level) in Uplawmoor, through Lugton and the parishes of Neilston, Beith, Dunlop, Stewarton and Kilwinning. The Lugton joins the Garnock below the tidal limit, shortly after passing through Eglinton Country Park, developed around the ancient estate of the Earl of Eglinton.

Timothy Pont refers to it as the 'Ludgar' or 'Lugdurr'.[1] Loch Libo in the 14th century was referred to as Loch le Bog Syde in a charter, meaning the Bogside Loch.[2]

The course through Eglinton Park has been greatly through the construction of several weirs, canalisation, 'loops' infilled, small lochs removed, etc.

The Duniflat Burn joins the Lugton Water from the East Ayrshire side close to the North Biggart bridge near where the Bells Burn from Bells Bog on the East Renfrewshire side also has its confluence.

The Bungle Burn, an outflow of the Blae Loch, joins the Lugton Water near the Bungleburn Bridge outside the village of Burnhouse.

The river runs past Eglinton Loch within Eglinton Country Park and at times of heavy flood its waters enter the loch.

It contains fresh-water and sea-trout and the occasional salmon.

Notes and References

  1. Dobie, James D. (ed Dobie, J.S.) (1876). Cunninghame, Topographized by Timothy Pont 1604–1608, with continuations and illustrative notices. Pub. John Tweed, Glasgow. P. 313.
  2. [James Paterson (journalist)|Paterson, James]