Prestonkirk
Studies of climatic change have taken on a new significance across the world as a result of what has been described as ‘the greenhouse effect’ but microclimate details are also of significance. The walls of Preston Mill have references to flood levels in significant years such as 1966, 1983, 1990, 1992 and the great flood of 1948. The traditional game of outdoor curling has only been recorded three times: in 1947 on the Tyne; in 1982 on the lake at Smeaton; and on Markle Loch in 1985. Smeaton Lake was associated with outdoor curling in the 19th century but the tall trees there now provide protection from frost. The big gales of 1968 and Boxing Day 1998 are memorable because some significant trees at Smeaton-Hepburn estate were blown down. However, wind strength was not the only reason for these losses. Other factors such as wind direction, sodden ground, trees still in leaf or loss of tree protection could also have contributed to the environmental damage. Rainfall patterns recorded at Markle Mains from 1985-2000 are available but, as the following extract shows, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions for such a short period.
| Extract of Rainfall Statistics at Markle Mains 1985-2000 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wettest Years | mm | inches | Driest Years | mm | inches |
| 1985 | 803 | 32.12 | 1989 | 414 | 16.56 |
| 2000 | 775 | 31.00 | 1996 | 421 | 16.84 |
| 1994 | 774 | 30.96 | 1991 | 456 | 18.24 |
| 1990 | 735 | 29.40 | 1993 | 473 | 18.92 |
| 1998 | 731 | 29.24 | 1999 | 530 | 21.20 |
Source: Tom Middlemass, farmer
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