Dunans Bridge
Dunans Bridge is a category A-listed structure,[1] designed by Thomas Telford. It is located at Dunans Castle on the Cowal peninsula in Argyll, Scotland. It was built for John Fletcher of Dunans,[1] to commemorate the battle of Waterloo. The bridge was completed in 1815, and predates the 1864 elaboration of Dunans House by Kerr into a Franco-Baronial "castle". The three-arched rubble construction is considered internationally important as it is the only extant bridge of this type. It stands over 15 metres (49 ft) from the river bed and has been voted one of Scotland's ten best bridges.[2] It was built to replace the now destroyed "swing bridge". Though it is of a kind often constructed by Telford, the three arches, gargoyles and eight hexagonal piers, as well as its sheer height 16 metres (52 ft), make it unique.
The structure is in the "RESTORATION IN PROGRESS" category on the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland. The 2023 update indicates: "North face was repointed last year, repairs to the eastern arch commence late 2023. Further works into 2024-5 are scheduled, including the repointing of the main arch."[3]
56°04′25″N 5°09′00″W / 56.0737°N 5.1500°W
References
[edit]- ^ a b Historic Environment Scotland. "DUNANS BRIDGE ALTE A'CHAOL GHLINN (Category A Listed Building) (LB11806)". Retrieved 26 December 2018.
- ^ "Best bridge - Features - Scotsman.com". Thescotsman.scotsman.com. 3 May 2007. Retrieved 5 November 2011.
- ^ "Dunans Bridge, SCT Ref No 3689, Argyll and Bute". Buildingsatrisk.org.uk. Archived from the original on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 5 November 2011.
