Building record MHG5371 - Slipway, Glenelg

Summary

A slipway and pier by Thomas Telford, 1818, incorporating a cattle-droving ramp.

Location

Grid reference Centred NG 79454 21314 (49m by 50m) (Centred)
Map sheet NG72SE
Geographical Area SKYE AND LOCHALSH
Operational Area INVERNESS NAIRN BADENOCH AND STRATHSPEY
Civil Parish GLENELG

Map

Type and Period (3)

Full Description

NG72SE 36 7944 2130

An article on the old harbours of north and west Scotland includes the following information about this slipway: The shoreline at Bernera was embanked with a straight bulwark 120ft (36.6m) long which descended a 90ft (27.4m) slip for cattle. The 125ft (36.6m) pier projected at right angles from the southern end of the bulwark. The Skye ferry met the end of the military road from Glenshiel and droved cattle were landed here. The article also includes a copy of Telford's plan. <1>

A ferry slipway and pier incorporating a significant cattle-droving ramp, located at the shortest crossing point between the mainland and the Isle of Skye. Constructed in 1818 by renowned Scottish engineer Thomas Telford, it is his only slipway to incorporate a cattle droving ramp.
The slipway is of large dressed whinstone blocks laid in courses, shelving into the water, with stone sets to the pier/jetty surface. The cattle ramp is orientated at right angles to the slipway and is also partially laid with rubble sets. It comprises a natural rock formation to the east and a 120flt rubble bulwark to the west curving at an angle with the pier. The slipway remains in use (2009) with a ferry service running from April to October. <2>

An amended list description now states that the slipway was constructed between 1818 and 1821 and is currently (2009) covered with concrete screed. <3>

Photographs of the slipway were taken in August 2010 and March 2011 and were submitted to Highland Council prior to the commencement of repair, consolidation and underpinning works (listed building consent 10/04195/LBC). <4>

Three photographs of the slipway at Glenelg were submitted by Martin Briscoe in May 2011. <5>

Sources/Archives (5)

  • <1> Text/Publication/Article: Graham, A and Gordon, J. 1988. 'Old harbours in northern and western Scotland', Proc Soc Antiq Scot, Vol 117 (1987), pp 265-352. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Digital. pp 327-8, Illus 37.
  • <2> Text/Designation Notification/List of Buildings: Historic Scotland. 30/03/2009. Combined Statutory and Descriptive List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest (Highland Council, One Hundred and Tenth Amendment)2009. HB 51306.
  • <3> Dataset: Historic Scotland. Information Supplementary to the Statutory List (This information has no legal significance). Digital. HB 51306.
  • <4> Image/Photograph(s): Scott Wilson. 2010-11. Photographic record of Glenelg slipway prior to commencement of repair works. Colour. Digital.
  • <5> Image/Photograph(s): Briscoe, J M. 2011. Photographs of the slipway at Glenelg. Colour digital. Yes. Digital.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Feb 3 2014 11:16AM

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