 It continues as the Dee south from Glenlochar, where the water is held back by the Glenlochar Barrage.Part of the Galloway hydro-electric power scheme, the barrage regulates the river's flow.Villages around Loch Ken include Glenlochar at the south, Laurieston and Mossdale on the west side of the loch, and Crossmichael and Parton on the east.