Scottish Bridges: 26. Carr Bridge

From Broomhill Bridge, we drove back towards the A9. On the way, we stopped in the tiny village of Carrbridge. The name is a clue: this is a village of a thousand picture postcards and holiday snaps, all of the same landmark.

The Carr Bridge itself dates from 1717. It was built by a stonemason, John Niccelsone, reportedly for the sum of £100.

Supposedly, it was built as a "funeral bridge", to allow coffins to be carried to a burial ground. I have to say I think that is somewhat unlikely. This is the oldest bridge over the River Dulnain at this location, and it seems hard to believe that a bridge wouldn't have had commerce and general transportation as its main objective.

Only the masonry arch ring now survives, with any parapets and surfacing long gone. What remains is just over 2 metres wide, not that we were foolhardy enough to measure it. My companion was happy to chance the span, but I took the side of prudence. An information sign at the bridge includes a sketch showing how the bridge may once have looked.

The bridge's remains are particularly picturesque, both for the slenderness of the arch, and for its semi-circular profile.

Further information:

• Google maps / Bing maps
• RCAHMS
• Highland Council Historic Environment Record
• Scottish Highland Bridges
• Highland Bridges (Nelson, 1990)
• Civil Engineering Heritage - Scotland Highlands and Islands (Paxton and Shipway, 2007)