Description

The monument comprises a bridge of uncertain date that spans an unnamed burn within the grounds of the farms of Moulinearn and Mill-lands of Dalcapon, at about 70m O.D. The bridge measures c. 3.5m between the parapets. The northeast parapet has been largely destroyed and there is a slight collapse of the carriageway on the northeast side. The bridge may have been constructed in the early 18th century as part of an extensive network of military communications. However, the present structure does not conform to other examples of bridges of this date and appears to have been significantly altered.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The cultural significance of the monument has been assessed as follows:

Intrinsic characteristics (how the remains of a site or place contribute to our knowledge of the past)

The monument is a bridge which may have been constructed in the early- to mid-18th century as part of a road which linked Dunkeld and Inverness. No remains of the road are visible at Moulinearn and this bridge may be the only physical structure remaining. However, the bridge appears to have highly altered and parts of the north-east side have collapsed. The overall character of the bridge does not conform to other bridges built by General Wade and Major Caulfeild. The physical remains appear to be of one construction period, apart from the addition of a parapet. The overall nature of the bridge strongly suggests that it has been substantially altered for vehicular use at some point, although it may have origins as an 18th century military bridge.

Contextual characteristics (how a site or place relates to its surroundings and/or to our existing knowledge of the past)

There was an estimated total of 1700km of military roads and bridges built in Scotland (approximately 400km by General Wade and 1300km by Major Caulfeild) between the early 1720s and the late 1750s. General George Wade was commissioned by the government of King George I to survey the state of the Highlands in 1724, including the extent and condition of the existing road network, before undertaking the wider construction programme.

This monument is on the probable route of the road from Dunkeld to Inverness. However, there is no physical evidence for the route at Moulinearn and this monument could be a later 18th century or 19th century road bridge.

Associative characteristics (how a site or place relates to people, events, and/or historic and social movements)

There are no known associative characteristics that contribute to this monument's national importance.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is a bridge which may have formed part of the 18th century military road network. However, aspects of this bridge suggest that it has been significantly altered or is of a later date. Examples of other 18th century military bridges which are designated as being of national importance retain their field characteristics to a far greater degree than this site. Based on the current available evidence, the site does not meet the criterion of national importance and the decision is removal from the schedule.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

Historic Environment Scotland http://www.canmore.org.uk reference number CANMORE ID 138462 (accessed on 27/02/2020).

Ang, T., and Pollard, M., 1984, Walking the Scottish Highlands – General Wade's Military Roads, Andre Deutsch Limited: London

Bruce, R., 1931, 'The Great North Road over the Grampians', Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers' 232 (2):113-30

Curtis, G.R., 1978-80, 'Roads and Bridges in the Scottish Highlands: the Route between Dunkeld and Inverness 1725-1925', Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 110: pp.475-96

Farquharson, L. 2011, General Wade's Legacy: The 18th Century military road system in Perthshire, Perth and Kinross Trust, Farquhar and Son: Perth

Mackenzie, K., 1895-99, 'Military Roads', The Inverness Scientific Society and Field Club, 5: pp364-384

Millar, R., 1967, 'The Road North', Scottish Geographical Magazine, 83 (2), 78-88

Ruddock, T., 1979, Arch Bridges and their Builders 1735-1835, Cambridge University Press: Cambridge

Salmond, J.B., 1938, Wade in Scotland, The Dunendin Press Limited: Edinburgh

Skelton, R.A, 1967, The Military Survey of Scotland 1747-1755, Royal Scottish Geographical Society, 83(1):pp.5-16

Taylor, W., 1976, The Military Roads in Scotland, SRP Limited: Exeter

Wallace, T., 1911, 'Military Bridges and Fortifications in the Highlands with Bridges and Milestones', Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 45: pp 318-33

"Commander in Chief of all his Majesty's Forces, Castles, Forts and Barracks in Northern Britain", =Letter-book of Field Marshall George Wade, 1725-1732. Manuscript held at National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh. MS7187

Canmore

https://canmore.org.uk/site/138462/

Source: Historic Environment Scotland