Linn of Dee Bridge

The bridge at the Linn of Dee is an impressive structure, not just visually but from a construction point of view as well. Visually, it is an ornate Gothic structure, with Castellated parapets, a pointed arch, heavy butresses and other similar features. However, what is perhaps more impressive is the deep, churning gorge over which the bridge was constructed. The chasm may be narrow, but it must still have been a tough job for the masons to erect the centering and then balance on rickety wooden scaffolding as the stone arch was slowly constructed.

The bridge is the highest crossing point of the Dee and, thanks to its relative proximity to Balmoral, it enjoyed the honour of being opened by Queen Victoria in 1857. We can only imagine the pomp and ceremony that came to this remote, beautiful, tranquil spot on that day!

History

Before the current bridge was constructed, a number of timber structure spanned the gorge. The first was reputedly a simple plank balanced precariously across the narrow gorge. This was then replaced by what was described as an 'Alpine Timber Bridge', but that was washed away in 1829 and replaced by another wooden bridge, which survived until the present bridge was opened.