Ways of increasing water levels at Airthrey Loch within Stirling University’s campus are being examined, the university said this week.
It follows concern expressed by visitors about the fall in water levels in the man-made loch by two to three feet as well as dried out shorelines.
Stirling University last month said the problem was due to a lack of rainfall, but one nearby resident – Eleanor Young of Logie Old Graveyard Group – in a letter to the Observer had pointed to a pipe fracture at the lade where the loch receives its water above Airthrey.
The lack of water had first been highlighted by St Ninians couple Martin and Rosalind McCrae who enjoy visiting the loch throughout the year and seeing its birdlife including swans and ducks.
A Stirling University spokesperson said this week: “The main supply of water to Airthrey Loch comes from the north west (behind the Pathfoot building) and has been severely impacted by very low rainfall since late 2021.
“The pipe referenced [in the letter to the Observer] supplied a very limited flow of water into Airthrey Loch (especially in the summer when the supply was closed to allow water to flow to a neighbour’s land for livestock purposes).
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“The pipe was damaged following a landslip in March 2020 on a neighbour’s land, and the University took engineering advice which ruled out repair to the pipe.
“The University is continuing to look at various options to increase the supply of water to the loch, however all options are impacted by the current lack of rainfall.”
The McCraes, who walk around the loch regularly to see the wildlife, had been surprised last month to find it well below its usual level.
Martin had worked as a gardener at the university campus between 1970 and 1980 and has seen it in all seasons over the years.
He had told the Observer: “We were astonished to see the state of the water. There has been quite a loss.
“I’d say the water level is down about two to three feet - and the distance to the water from the shoreline on the south side of the loch is about 20ft.”
