General George Wade

George Wade was born in Ireland in 1689, and entered military service almost as soon as he could. He rose quickly through the ranks, serving both across Europe and in the first Jacobite Rebellion in 1715. In 1725 he was appointed as Commander in Chief for Scotland, and one of his tasks, which started a year before, was to ensure that the Jacobites could not rebel again. His plans were quickly draw up and saw the construction of a number of forts across the Highlands, and roads connecting them together and to the south.

Unfortunately, failing health meant that Wade was unable to take a full part in the second Jacobite rebellion, and he died a couple of years later. His long time assistant Major William Caulfeild took over from Wade in 1746 as engineer to the Military Roads, substantially extending the network.

Roads

The main roads that he built were:

• Through the Great Glen, following the A82 and B862/B852 routes.
• South from Inverness to Dunkeld on the Tay, along what is now the A9 corridor.
• The Corrieyairack Pass, connecting the two.

Bridges

Main Article: General Wades Bridges

He also built a small number of bridges, including the famous bridge across the Tay at Aberfeldy and the now derelict High Bridge at Spean Bridge.

List of Crossings

Crossing	On Road	Opening Date
Aberfeldy Bridge	B846
Inverfarigaig Bridge	B852