Building record MHG45526 - Mound Bridge, Loch Fleet

Summary

1815-18 Thomas Telford bridge with later alterations by Joseph Mitchell, 1837.

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)

  • --- Text/Publication/Volume: Sinclair B Calder. 1974. The Industrial Archaeology of Sutherland (A Scottish Highland Economy 1700-1900). Pg 53.
  • <1> Text/Publication/Volume: Beaton, E. 1995. Sutherland: An Illustrated Architectural Guide. Paper (Original).
  • <2> 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

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