Loch Katrine became the source for Glasgow's water supply in 1859.
Until the early 19th century the citizens of Glasgow used the Clyde and other running water sources for their daily needs.
But as the population grew there became an urgent need for clean water, after the cholera outbreaks of 1832 and 1848.
Eventually it was decided to use the waters of Loch Katrine. The project recieved royal assent in 1855 and work started the following year.
To ensure a suitable water capacity, the loch was raised 17ft and increased to ten miles long by one mile wide - obliterating the Silver Strand celebrated in Sir Walter Scott's Lady of the Lake.
An 8ft-diameter underground aqueduct was built to transport the water the 34-mile trip to the north of Glasgow.
Here the water is stored in Mugdock reservoir prior to being piped around the city.
However, not long after the reservoir opened, it was found to be insufficient for Glasgow's needs.
Therefore an ambitious project was undertaken to pipe additional water to Loch Katrine from neighbouring Loch Arklet and Glen Finglas Reservoir.
This was completed in 1885 and increased the daily output from 40 million gallons to 110 million gallons per day.
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