In 1859, a reservoir on the Crinan Canal burst sending debris and destruction in both directions. One man was swept from Dunardry to Loch Gilp and Crinan was flooded. A “Mr. Thomas Cook” wrote to the Times downplaying the damage, saying tourism not affected.
(and yes, it was *that* Thomas Cook). He was following Victoria on her tour through Scotland and was probably trying to set up trips on the canal as package holidays.
I also found that Crinan also almost had *two* canals. One was planned from Crinan Ferry to Loch Awe, but it never materialised. Probs not new and interesting to folk in Crinan, but was news to me. 🙂