18th Century CastleCary Bridge

CASTLECARY,
PUTLOCK BRIDGE, FORMER ROAD BRIDGE OVER RED BURN

This old bridge was erected as part of the Glasgow-Bo'ness turnpike road and spans the red burn a few metres down stream from the railway viaduct. It has for long been known locally as the 'Roman Bridge' It lies roughly on the spot where the Roman military way crossed the red burn in rear of the Antonine wall.

The bridge was, in fact, built in the second half of the 17th century and bears all the architectural hallmarks of that period. It is a very fine example of the particular method used in those days for centering an arch. When the piers were constructed, timber beams were laid across them side by side at the springing of the arch, and on these beams was erected the wooden shuttering upon which the arch was actually built. Once this had settled, the timber construction was removed, the original 'put log' holes, where the cross beams had once lain, being left open. These holes may still be seen.

There are very few examples left of bridges built in this fashion so that this one is of particular interest.

It is now, however, in very bad condition, being heavily overgrown and ruinous and its destruction had been threatened by the construction of the dual-carriageway road from Glasgow to Stirling. Through the intervention of the historical society a reprieve was granted and it is hoped that sufficient funds will be forthcoming before long to ensure its preservation.

The bridge that has a certain amount of Historical significance was under threat but was able to be saved.

Next time your passing by the Viaduct bridge on the CastleCary Road, take a quick look at this spectacular bridge and how fantasticly constructed it seems. Lets hope with the upgrade of the A80 its historical  significance is maintained and left to the prosperity of our town.

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