Clachan Bridge
Built all the way back in 1792, the Clachan Bridge is known by the much more impressive title of The Bridge Over the Atlantic, due to the fact that it crosses the Clachan Sound which opens directly into the Atlantic Ocean. For the best view of the bridge, head to the car park opposite Tigh an Truish (an inn by the bridge). To get there, you can take the bus from Oban or, take the A816 south from Oban and turning off onto the B844.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
In 1901, when it was completed, the Glenfinnan Viaduct was the longest mass concrete viaduct in Britain at a whopping 116 metres long. This crescent-shaped viaduct uses 21 arches to support the railway line which sits 30 metres above the River Finnan. The viaduct was built by rail and road engineer Sir Robert McAlpine, who became known as Concrete Bob for his pioneering approach to using concrete in construction. Over 100 years since the bridge was built it was a prominent feature in the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and has been included on £5 notes. Best viewed from the Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail, you can access the viaduct on foot, or cross it on the train, after following the A830 to Glenfinnan.
Kylesku Bridge
The Kylesku Bridge, or Drochaid a' Chaolais Chumhaing, to give it its official name, was built to replace a long-running boat service and was completed in 1984. The bridge takes the form of a continuous curve that crosses Loch a’ Chairn Bhain. The previous ferry services were unpredictable, especially when the weather was bad, and this award-winning bridge helped travellers avoid a 100 mile trip on land to get to the other side of the loch. The best view is from the XIIth Submarine Flotilla 50th anniversary memorial carpark, to the north side of the bridge.
Stirling Old Bridge
The Stirling Old Bridge is just downstream from, and replaced, the earlier timber bridge which was the site of the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge. Steeped in history, the next version of the bridge was built in the late 1400s by the Duke of Albany but was blown up by General Blackney's British troops in 1745. In 1571, gallows were built on the bridge in order to hang the Archbishop of St Andrews James Hamilton. To get there, follow directions to the bridge from the M9 in Stirling, or use public transport.
Swilcan Bridge
The Swilcan Bridge crosses over the Swilcan Burn at the 1st and 18th fairways of the Old Course in St Andrews and is incredibly popular with tourists. The feet of many a famous golfer has crossed its bricks and it has seen 29 Open Championships in its time. Jack Nicklaus played his last round of golf at the Old Course and waved an emotional goodbye from atop the bridge. Next to the Royal Ancient Clubhouse, the bridge can be accessed from Old Station Road in St Andrews. The best day to visit is Sunday when golf isn’t played.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel