Shin Bridge

Also known as Invershin or Inveran Bridge, there are two bridges over the River Shin at Invershin, the old 3-arch stone bridge dating from c1823 and a much newer structure dating from sometime between 1977 and 1990. At the western end of the bridges there is also a junction where the B864 terminates on the A837.

The Old Bridge

The old bridge

This is a substantial 3-arch structure, with the largest arch in the centre creating a slightly humped profile. The two piers stand in the water, faced with triangular cutwaters, and there is a narrow string course running over the tops of the arch rings to add a little decoration. Unfortunately, since the bridge was bypassed it has fallen into disrepair and is now fenced off as a dangerous structure, although without any obvious damage. It is believed that the bridge was built under the direction of Joseph Mitchell, who had worked under Thomas Telford, before becoming surveyor to the county of Sutherland, and responsible for the construction of much of what is now the A837.

The New Bridge

The new bridge

Standing immediately downstream of its predecessor, the new bridge carries a wider, S2, carriageway with pavements in a single span across the river. Supported by massive steel girders under the thin deck, there are also metal railings as parapets. It was built before 1990, but not mentioned in a listed building report dated 1977 suggesting it was built sometime in the 1980s.

The Junction

The start of the B864

Immediately to the west of the bridges, the B864 terminates on the A837 after travelling down the western bank of the River Shin from Lairg. The junction is a T-junction with triangular traffic island splitting B864 traffic, although with so little traffic in the area this seems somewhat unnecessary. Indeed, if it were not for the Falls of Shin visitor centre half way along the route, it is questionable as to whether the B864 would still be a b-road at all!