High Bridge Of Dee, Clatteringshaws

A stone bridge dated 1789, built by John McCracken, spans the Dee Water at Clatteringshaws. The two-arch structure was originally designed to distinguish it from the earlier Old Bridge of Dee, which was replaced and now lies submerged beneath Clatteringshaws Loch. The bridge features depressed arches flanked by V-cutwater buttresses. Its construction incorporates polished ashlar voussoirs and springers, with squared rubble forming the soffits. Rubble is also used for the spandrels and abutments. The original parapets have been removed, and the roadway is also absent. The bridge is a notable feature of the landscape, and the use of ashlar voussoirs indicates a level of quality in its construction. The structure is now owned by Forestry Commission Scotland. It was documented on John Ainslie’s map of 1797 and the first edition Ordnance Survey map of around 1851. Information on the date and architect was provided by Mr K. C. McCrae through Dumfries and Galloway Council.