Kirtleside Bridge, Kirtle Water, Rigg

Kirtleside Bridge, built in the 1750s, carries a road over the Kirtle Water. The bridge, commissioned by John Kennedy and James Forrest, comprises two segmental arches, one designed as a flood relief arch. The main spans measure approximately 15 metres each. The bridge is constructed of red ashlar, with most blocks diagonally droved. Recessed arch-rings are present, and the voussoirs (wedge-shaped stones forming the arches) are graded at the northern end. A 20th-century widening occurred on the southern side, although the original profile was maintained. A concrete addition is faced with ashlar. Original pointed cutwaters are located on either side of the northern end; the northern cutwater splays inwards below the parapet. The abutments (the structures at either end supporting the arches) and parapets are splayed on plan, featuring shallow ramped sections, band courses, and square terminal piers topped with pyramidal caps. Records from 1749 show that commissioners proposed the bridge's construction the following year, with payment recorded in 1759. One arch collapsed in 1787, as documented in the minutes of the Commissioners of Supply.