Stair Bridge

Stair Bridge

Stair Bridge carries the B730 across the River Ayr in the tiny settlement of Stair in Ayrshire. It is a substantial three arch stone bridge dating back to 1745 and built out of local red stone. The two piers stand in the riverbed and have substantial triangular cutwaters protecting them, with the bridge abutments stepping out in a similar fashion on either bank. Unlike the abutments, which provide a wider roadway on the approaches, the cutwaters are tapered off below road level, leaving a narrow carriageway which is probably not wide enough for two cars to pass. Despite this, however, there is no priority signage, perhaps because the approach on the south bank drops steeply down around a tree lined bend, giving very little forward visibility until the last moment. There is a similar issue on the north bank, where the road ramps down off the bridge.

The insides of the parapets are plain ashlar stone, while the outer faces are a little more stylish. The arch rings are slightly recessed below a curved drip mould, giving just enough relief to elevate the bridge from plainness. An unusual feature of the structure is that the roadway and parapets are level from the south end to the crest of the northern arch. Both then ramp down, although at slightly different angles after nearly three centuries of resurfacing, to reach the lower ground level of the north bank. This produces an unusual silhouette, if a suitable vantage point can be found between the tree lined banks. Also, while the parapets extend some distance on the south side beyond the splayed abutments, they stop short on the north side. Old photos suggest they previously extended further, but have perhaps been cut back at some point when the road was widened.