Building record MHG45526 - Mound Bridge, Loch Fleet
Summary
Location
Grid reference | Centred NH 7754 9821 (27m by 24m) |
---|---|
Map sheet | NH79NE |
Geographical Area | SUTHERLAND |
Old County | SUTHERLAND |
Civil Parish | GOLSPIE |
Map
Type and Period (3)
Full Description
Thomas Telford-designed "stagecoach" bridge which has a series of sluice gates to prevent seawater getting upstream into the Mound aldergrove swamps. This area included land reclaimed by a 1,000 yd embankment, which became known as The Mound, constructed by Sutherland Estates in 1816 to carry the new Parlimentary road over Loch Fleet.
(Press & Journal, 15/01/02)
Information provided by J Aitken: 16/01/02
The pent up waters of Loch Fleet are drained by an impressive series of sluice gates (four in 1816, increased to six in 1837 by Joseph Mitchell) in the six-span bridge. Each arch is fitted with a wooden non-returnable flap valve which prevents sea water from flowing up-river while allowing fresh water to drain away. A system of chains and pulleys operate the sluices, the winding gear housed in small stone huts each side of the bridge <1>.
Stone built bridge with 12 sluice gates, two below each arch of bridge. The arches have a timber panel cover each on east side of Telford’s bridge. A series of metal winches extend out from the bridge above each sluice gate. Two winch buildings at either side of bridge consist of small single storey buildings with a slanted corrugated iron roof. <2>
Sources/Archives (3)
- --- SHG364 Text/Publication/Volume: Sinclair B Calder. 1974. The Industrial Archaeology of Sutherland (A Scottish Highland Economy 1700-1900). Pg 53.
- <1> SHG23142 Text/Publication/Volume: Beaton, E. 1995. Sutherland: An Illustrated Architectural Guide. Paper (Original).
- <2> SHG23286 Verbal Communication: Puls, A. Comment by Andrew Puls, HC Archaeologist.
Finds (0)
Protected Status/Designation
Related Monuments/Buildings (2)
Related Events/Activities (0)
Record last edited
Sep 23 2010 3:22PM