Glenshee Bridge carrying former military road over Shee Water, excluding 20th century railings, Spittal of Glenshee, Glenshee

The bridge is an early 18th century large single-arched military bridge crossing the Shee water and is located within the village of the Spittal of Glenshee. It is constructed in rubble with roughly worked voussoirs forming the arch. The hump-backed carriageway atop the structure is sealed by modern surfacing and the bridge remains in use by vehicles although the A93 now bypasses the village and bridge, A low, stone parapet borders each side of the carriageway. The bridge is sprung from bedrock on either side of the river.

In accordance with Section 1 (4A) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 the following are excluded from the listing: 20th century railings.

Historical Development

There was an estimated total of 1700km of military road built in Scotland (approximately 400km by General Wade and 1300km by Major Caulfeild) between the early 1720s and the late 1750s.

The first programmes of work started in 1725 Under Wade's command, Repairs were made to various fortifications including Edinburgh Castle and at Fort William and new forts were built at Inverness (Fort George) and Killihuimen (Fort Augustus). Road communications and connections were improved between the garrisons at Fort William, Fort Augustus and Fort George. The roads programme then focused on expanding the network between Dunkeld and Inverness (later known as 'The Great North Road') with branches connecting Crieff to the Great North Road at Dalnacardoch (later known as 'The Second Great North Road') and Fort Augustus to the Great North Road at Dalwhinnie. The second major programme of works was overseen by Wade's successor, Major William Caulfeild, with branches constructed, from 1741 onwards, between: Crieff and Stirling, an incomplete build between Dumbarton and Inverary, Stirling to Fort William, Coupar Angus to Fort George, and Amulree to Dunkeld.

This bridge relates to the Braemar to Blairgowrie military road route and was likely constructed as part of this longer road programme, between 1749 and 1763. The bridge appears largely unaltered with evidence of metal pinning and stone / mortar conservation works.