Forfar Loch was once much bigger than it is today. In the 18th
Century, on the orders of the Earl of Strathmore, the Loch was
partly drained and the size approximately havbed from 15m deep and
3km long to the 9m deep and 1.5km long of today. The original area
followed approx along the present day Craig O Loch Road, along past
the garages in Queenswell Road up past the Reid Hall with the
northern shore bounding the playing fields along Lochside Road. as
a result residents in west high Street and east of the Reid Hall
have fishing and mooring rights in their title deeds!,
The peninsula on the north bank of Forfar Loch has been known as
St Margarets Inch since the 16th Century and was named after Queen
Margaret, wife of the 11th Century King Malcolm Canmore. there was
once a chapel here founded by Queen Margaret and dedicated to the
Holy Trinity. By the end of the 17th century only the tower
remained and today there is no visible sign. At one time June 15th
was known locally as st Margarets day when the young women of
Forfar would parade barefoot to the Inch wearing garlands of
flowers in their hair
The Loch was inhabited long before Queen Margarets time though.
Remains excavated on the Inch show that the Inch was once an
artificial island or crannog.
The Inch is now home to Forfar Sailing Club
The wee beach here is a popular spot for doggie swimmers. Clova
has spent a lot of time here!
The cache is located in the trees close to the beach. The GPS
accuracy was terrible when we set the cache, so hopefully the clue
will help
