Bridge of Potarch

Heritage listing

Category A Date Added 16/04/1971 Supplementary Information Updated 09/06/1994 Local Authority Aberdeenshire Planning Authority Aberdeenshire Parish Birse NGR NO 60759 97312 Coordinates 360759, 797312 — Thomas Telford, 1811-1813. 3-span segmental-arched bridge over River Dee. Tooled, coursed granite with finely finished arch rings and piers. Triangular cut-waters extended up forming 4 half-hexagonal refuges to each parapet; coped parapet; sharply splayed wing walls. — Attempts to collect money to build a bridge on the site of Potarch Bridge began in 1698, however it was not until the 19th century that the Parish of Birse was finally linked to North Deeside, and the Deeside turnpike road to Aberdeen. Indeed the OSA points out that "...in no place is a bridge so much wanted, nor could one be built that would accommodate this parish, and the public in general so much as at Pot-arch, over the Dee" (OSA, p123). The bridge was funded partly by the Government, but mainly by the Inneses of Balnacraig and Ballogie. Despite flood damage to the bridge in the course of building and shortly afterwards the bridge survives in exceptionally fine condition. Its length is 200 feet, the largest span is 70 feet, flanked to left and right by 2 65 feet arches. Fairs used to be held near the bridge, however the market stance is now unused. Part in Kincardine O'Neil Parish. Change of Category B to A, 9 June 1994.

From Historic Environment Scotland under OGL v3.