THE CALEDONIAN CANAL
The Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea were joined when the Caledonian Canal was completed in 1822 having taken 17 years. It was now possible to sail the 60 miles from Loch Linnhe at Fort William, through Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness to reach Inverness. The five locks at Fort Augustus lift the water a total of 40ft
FORT AUGUSTUS
Geographically in the heart of the highlands and originally called Cille Chuimean, the town was renamed following the 1st Jabobite rebellion by King George II after his son William Augustus, (he later earned the title 'Butcher Cumberland` following the battle of Culloden). The Fort built by General Wade was blown up by Prince Charlie’s forces in 1745 and the remaining barracks were purchased by Lord Lovat in 1867. When it was leased to the Benedictine Monks in 1876 they set about converting it to an Abbey. The last Monks left in 1988.
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