Strathearn Herald headlines from January 23, 1909

Jan 23 2009 by Caroline Boxer, Strathearn Herald

Researched and written by Caroline Boxer

The “Great Flood” of 1909

THE Herald 100 years ago was filled with news of a “great flood” which cover large areas of Strathearn following a sudden thaw of snow. The extensive report filled well over a page of the eight page edition and would be too long to print, but here are some snippets. It started: “The river Earn and its tributaries - the Ruchill and Lednock, which latter join the Earn at Comrie - became flooded to an immense and alarming extent, causing great loss and damage all along the strath. Indeed, the whole valley of the Earn from Comrie downwards was converted into great lakes, varying from two to six feet deep, at least, and presented an awe-inspiring spectacle.

“In the flat and low-lying portion of the valley between Monzievaird and Comrie, through which the Crieff and Lochearnhead Railway passes, there was one huge lake for miles, there being practically only the railway track clear of water, although the fences alongside were almost wholly submerged. The greater portion of the farm lands of Carse of Trowan and Carse of Lennoch were under water.

“Nearer Crieff, the flooded river submerged a large portion of Lady Mary’s Walk alongside of it; while adjacent to the town the Earn was greatly augmented by the immense volume of water poured into it by the overflowing Turret river, and the whole of the flat land to the south and west of Dallerie Laundry Works was inundated. On the opposite side of the river the field known as Braidhaugh for the nonce resembled a large lake.”

Other incidents included the farmhouse and steading of South Forr being completely isolated when the surrounding fields became covered with water. It was thought that all of the hares and rabbits on the farm had been drowned. At Kinkell, and eastward, the flooding was also enormous, and there was much damage as a result to farm lands, as well as loss in root crops and sheep drowned. In Comrie, the Dalginross area was badly hit and one poor old woman who had occasion to rise during the night stepped into several feet of water, and naturally received quite a shock. In the Square of Dalginross the flood was four to six feet deep.

The flooding to the west of Comrie was also extensive. The public road between Comrie and St Fillans, at East Tullybannocher, which is quite close to the river Earn, was flooded from five to seven feet deep and rendered quite impassable.