William Symington´s first experiments with steam propulsion were carried out at Dalswinton Loch Dumfries and later at the Forth & Clyde canal where he built the "Charlotte Dundas" which successfully pulled along two barges but the owners of the canal were not happy at the thought that the paddles or the wash created by the boat would damage the sides of the canal and although the boat had created world wide interest, no investment capital could be generated. 

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The Charlotte Dundas was laid up and later scraped and William Symington died some thirty years later destitute.