Castle Bridge, Huntly Castle

The Castle Bridge, spanning the River Deveron between Huntly Castle and Huntly Lodge (now Huntly Castle Hotel), is probably of 17th century origin, although it may incorporate earlier fabric, with strengthening work added around 1800 to the west side. It is a single span, semi-circular arch bridge constructed of rubble, measuring 40 feet across, with a narrow carriage width of nearly 9 feet, and wider approaches. The arch is formed of neatly dressed, chamfered ashlar voussoirs with scrolled detail to the intrados, and it is flanked by coped parapets. The foundations are laid on sloping courses, and a rubble buttress reinforces the west pier on the south side.

The bridge's form and design are typical of 17th century and earlier bridge building in Scotland, featuring a gently humped carriageway between wider piers which expand towards the foundations. Medieval masons’ marks are visible on some of the stones, suggesting a very early origin though repairs and rebuilding likely occurred over the centuries. The 'Old Statistical Accounts of Scotland' (1791-99) described the bridge as an ancient, strong single-arch structure providing passage to Keith and Portsoy even during periods of flood. Iron bands, added to reinforce the bridge against floodwaters, remain visible at the base and foundations. The bridge appeared on maps dating from 1745 (Herman Moll), 1750 (William Roy), and 1776 (Taylor and Skinner’s Road Survey).

In the early 18th century, the bridge became part of a formal processional route extending from Huntly Castle to Huntly Lodge. Plans by George Burn of Fochabers (dated 1800), initially thought to potentially relate to Castle Bridge, were subsequently determined to be more relevant to the nearby Gibston Bridge (completed 1803).