Brackny Pedestrian Bridge at Kirkton of Glenisla on the Cateran Trail currently closed for safety reasons

The well-loved wrought iron bridge at Kirkton of Glenisla, which is currently closed due to safety concerns, has the community’s support for much-needed urgent repairs.

Built in the early 19^th century and Listed Category B for its special historic interest, the Brackny Pedestrian Bridge crosses the River Isla and is part of the Cateran Trail.

The bridge was subject to a recent engineer survey, and a section of the timber joists which support the decking have been found to be rotten. The bridge has therefore been temporarily closed and the Cateran Trail rerouted via Whitehills Farm. The diversion is 1.7 miles in length.

The local community has shown its support for fundraising towards the repair of the timber decking and the restoration of iron work required.

(left to right): Meg Mearns, Scott Cameron, Rohan Inglis, Cameron Speirs, Andrew Ross, Krystna Pytaz and Bob Ellis

Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust (PKCT) is organising the project to repair and fundraise for the bridge and manages and maintains the Cateran Trail along which it lies.

Andy Barrie, PKCT’s Strategic Routes Officer leading the project, said:

Designed by John Justice of Dundee, the Brackny Bridge is nearly 200 years old and considered one of the oldest bridges of its kind in Europe. Its preservation therefore is of utmost importance.

The timber decking on the bridge requires replacing as a critical measure with subsequent extensive maintenance required to the bridges iron work.

It is estimated that the bridge deck will cost in the region of £10,000 to replace, with the restoration of the metal work costing more than £100,000. Funding options for both sets of repairs are currently being considered and explored, including a possible Crowdfunder for the decking.

It is hoped that a local working group will be created help us with fundraising. We very much hope to secure funding to preserve this important historical bridge for future generations.