Fraser’s Bridge in Glen Clunie
This pretty little bridge spans the Clunie Water as it flows down from the mountains of Glenshee towards Braemar.
Known as Fraser’s Bridge, it carries the old military road from Blairgowrie to Fort George; it was built in 1752 by General Caulfield, who was continuing the programme of military road-building that had been started by General Wade in the 1720s.
The bridge is in very good condition, and is still passable by cars. The old road then follows the bank of the river north to Braemar. Heavy traffic is now diverted away by the main A93, which continues up the eastern side of the river.
The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland describes Fraser’s Bridge as…
“…a graceful two-span rubble structure, with flattened segmental arches of unequal size and a triangular cutwater.”
Another site, Scottish Highland Bridges, elaborates a little further…
“The voussoirs are narrow and uneven, some extending up into the spandrels. On the flat coping stones are some masons’ marks and initials, probably [made by] the Victorian men.”
This has made me look up ‘voussoirs’, which are the wedge-shaped stones placed on end to form the arches. A ‘spandrel’ is the space between two arches. I’ve learned something today!
Sources:
All photos copyright © Jo Woolf
If you’re interested in military roads, you’ll love this beautiful little bridge in the Sma’ Glen, Perthshire. You can also read more about General Wade’s ambitious road-building programme!
6 Comments
tearoomdelights
This is quite a familiar bridge to me but I didn’t know its history. I’m delighted to learn the term ‘voussoirs’.
Jo Woolf
I’m glad you were too, Lorna! Now we can impress loads of people with our bridge-knowledge. 🙂
Ysbryd
This type of thing is what gives Scotland its charm, in my eyes at least. Thank you, as always, for sharing.
Jo Woolf
I agree! It’s always a pleasure to find little places like this. Thanks for your comment!
blosslyn
I love those little Scottish bridges and you have captured it beautiful 🙂
Jo Woolf
Thank you, Lynne! It is in such a wonderful setting, too. I’m sure it also looks lovely with snow on it – somewhere else to return to in winter!