Events programmes sign-up
Bridging Perthshire's Past
A major 3 year project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund which aims to conserve, enhance and promote 18th century military roads and bridges in Perthshire.
The military roads system
The regions military roads and bridges are part of a larger network covering most of the Scottish Highlands, and were initially conceived by General George Wade to allow the movement of troops and supplies between existing and planned forts and barracks. The establishment of this system of communication was supported by the Government in London as one of the measures to quash further rebellion following the recent Jacobite uprising in 1715.
Between 1725 and 1733, Wade supervised the construction of approximately 250m of roads and 40 bridges. The first road through the Great Glen linked Fort William with the barracks at Kiliwhimen, and was completed over the years 1726/7. This was soon followed by two lines of north-south communication through Perthshire. The first linked Dunkeld to Inverness and this was later joined at Dalnacardoch by the road from Crieff.
General Wade’s road building programme cumulated in 1733 with what he saw as one of his greatest achievements, the Tay Bridge, Aberfeldy. Until his departure from Scotland in 1740, Wade initiated and supervised the construction of two new forts, and was responsible for improvements on chief strongholds throughout Scotland as part of his strategic plan to effectively garrison the nation.
Major William Caulfeild continued the programme of road building in 1740. Before his death in 1767 he had constructed just over three times the length of road than that of his predecessor. His work through Perthshire included the Blairgowrie to Braemar route which was eventually extended to the newly built Fort George on Ardersier Point, with some improvements on the existing road to Coupar Angus.
Conservation
Results from a condition survey of 18th century military bridges, carried out by the Trust from 2005 to 2007’ indicated the rapid loss of this resource outwith atypical examples such as the Tay Bridge, Aberfeldy. A similar survey to ascertain survival and condition of roads is also is currently being undertaken. Key objectives are therefore:
- To preserve by practical conservation or by record, a range of 18th century military bridges;
- To utilize the results of the bridge and road survey to inform long term management strategies.
Outreach, training and education
A key objective of the project is to provide opportunities for everyone to learn more about and/or become actively involved in the conservation of this aspect of their cultural heritage by:
- Establishing volunteer and training opportunities including measured drawings, site clearance and conservation, archaeological excavation and long term management of historic structures;
- Offering summer placements for students in further education in heritage management or use of GIS in archaeology;
- Offering teacher placements through the Excellence in Education through Business Links Programme;
- Producing Education Packs.
Access and Interpretation
The project aims to improve access to and interpretation about the military road and bridges and associated monuments.
- Field notes and a report resulting from the bridge and road survey will be will be available on this website;
- A publication will be produced discussing the 18th century military system of communication and placing the work of Wade and Caulfeild within the wider historical context;
- A series of interpretation boards at key sites will be produced.
If you would like to volunteer or you would be interested in the further education placements or teacher placements, please contact the Bridging Perthshire's Past Officer.