Documents

Where documents include maps, the use of this data is subject to terms and conditions (https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/termsandconditions).

The legal document available for download below constitutes the formal designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The additional details provided on this page are provided for information purposes only and do not form part of the designation. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within this additional information.

• Type

  Legal Documents

  Title

  SM90343_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600018370)

Summary

Description

The monument consists of a suspension bridge crossing the River Oich, together with a causeway or embankment leading south to the site of another bridge which crossed the Caledonian Canal.

The bridge dates to c.1850, and was built after the previous Bridge of Oich had been destroyed by floods in Spring 1849. The engineer was probably James Dredge, of Bath, and it was undoubtedly built to the principles he outlined, developing from the double suspended cantilever system. The main chains supporting the bridge are formed of links approximately 1m in length. At each junction between the links, the 2 outermost bars are taken down as wires to support the bridge deck, and so the number of separate bars in the link reduces by one. The bridge deck is of wood. The battered pylons have arches with pediments above, and are constructed of rusticated stonework, each standing on the banks of the river.

On the S side, a causeway leads around in a shallow curve and the road was taken across the canal.

The suspension bridge was bypassed and the swing bridge replaced in 1932.

The area to be scheduled is irregular on plan, and measures approximately 120m NW-SE by a maximum of 45m SW-NE (to include the suspension bridge and the causeway), as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance as the only unaltered example in Scotland of a bridge built to the principle of James Dredge. Study of its fabric has the potential to add to our understanding of 19th century engineering principles and standards, and the development of transport links in the Scottish highlands.

References

Bibliography

About Scheduled Monuments

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating sites and places at the national level. These designations are Scheduled monuments, Listed buildings, Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and Inventory of historic battlefields.

We make recommendations to the Scottish Government about historic marine protected areas, and the Scottish Ministers decide whether to designate.

Scheduling is the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for monuments and archaeological sites of national importance as set out in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

We schedule sites and monuments that are found to be of national importance using the selection guidance published in Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

Scheduled monument records provide an indication of the national importance of the scheduled monument which has been identified by the description and map. The description and map (see ‘legal documents’ above) showing the scheduled area is the designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The statement of national importance and additional information provided are supplementary and provided for general information purposes only. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within the statement of national importance or additional information. These records are not definitive historical or archaeological accounts or a complete description of the monument(s).

The format of scheduled monument records has changed over time. Earlier records will usually be brief. Some information will not have been recorded and the map will not be to current standards. Even if what is described and what is mapped has changed, the monument is still scheduled.

Scheduled monument consent is required to carry out certain work, including repairs, to scheduled monuments. Applications for scheduled monument consent are made to us. We are happy to discuss your proposals with you before you apply and we do not charge for advice or consent. More information about consent and how to apply for it can be found on our website at www.historicenvironment.scot.

Find out more about scheduling and our other designations at www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support. You can contact us on 0131 668 8914 or at designations@hes.scot.