Earlstoun Power Station
Hydroelectric Power Station (Modern)
Site Name Earlstoun Power Station
Classification Hydroelectric Power Station (Modern)
Alternative Name(s) Earlstoun Works; Earlstoun Hydro-electric Station; Galloway Hydroelectric Scheme; Water Of Ken
Canmore ID 213408
Site Number NX68SW 147
NGR NX 61410 81879
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/213408
- Council Dumfries And Galloway
- Parish Kells
- Former Region Dumfries And Galloway
- Former District Stewartry
- Former County Kirkcudbrightshire
NX68SW 147.00 61410 81879
NX68SW 147.01 centred NX 61425 81914 transformer station
Earlstoun Power Station [NAT]
OS 1:10,000 map, 1982.
For associated Earlstoun Loch (reservoir, centred at NX 612 830) and dam (NX 61376 82308 to NX 61490 82425), see NX68SW 28.00 and NX68SW 28.01 respectively).
Earlstoun Power Station: 2nd stage of project
Average net head: 65ft (19.8m)
Catchment area: 193 sq miles (500 sq km)
Max. load: 12,000 kW [27% of 2nd stage total: 12% of grand total]
Units per annum: 20 million [27% of 2nd stage total: 11% of grand total]
No. of main turbines: 2
Anon. 1934 ['Galloway Water Power Scheme'].
(Detailed description of power generation equipment and switchgear).
English Electric Company Limited [post-1936].
Earlstoun Power Station
Catchment area: 194 sq mi (502 sq km)
Average net head: 67 ft (20.4m)
Water consumption on full load at average head: 2500 cusec
Number and size of units: 2x6000kW
Gross volume of turbine room (incl. loading bay), above main floor level = total: 196,000 cu ft (5550.2 cu m)
Gross volume of turbine room (incl. loading bay), above main floor level = per kW: 16.3 cu ft (0.46 cu m)
Range of net heads: 66-68ft (20.1-20.7m)
No. of rating of generator sets installed: 2x6,000 kW
Turbine output: 8,500 hp
Specific speed: 104 rpm
Normal speed: 214.3 rpm
Runaway speed: 450 rpm
Water consumption per turbine on full load at average head: 1250 cusecs
Diameter of runner: 9ft 2ins (2.8m)
This power station is intended for unattended operation.
Anon. 1938 ['Galloway Hydro-Electric Development'].
By Merz and McLellan, and Sir Alexander Gibb and Partners. This building was constructed in 1936 as part of the Galloway Hydro-electric Scheme.
J R Hume 2000.
This power station receives water from Earlstoun Loch (NX68SW 28.00), and is a major component of Stage II of the Galloway Hydro-Electric Scheme. The equipment installed is identical with that at Carsfad Power Station (NX68NW 26).
Information from RCAHMS (RJCM), 25 October 2005.
Gibb and Partners et al. 1937.
Field Visit (2010)
This powerhouse receives water from the Earlstoun aqueduct (NX68SW 28.02) with storage capacity for water behind the Earlstoun Dam. The powerhouse houses two turbines and in terms of installed equipment it is identical to that at Carsfad in addition to similarities in external design characteristics. This station is of almost identical design to Carsfad, Kendoon and Glenlee. The powerhouse exhibits a functionalist modern classical design which characterises the Galloway scheme, illustrating the dynamic modern view which was held of the industry at this time. The powerhouse retains major interior features such as the overhead crane by William Arrol. It is prominently sited, and the striking design makes a good landscape contribution. P L Payne, 1988, 24; E Wood, 2002, 50; G Hill, 1984.