Carrbridge Old Packhorse Bridge

The Old Packhorse Bridge in Carrbridge is said to be the oldest stone bridge in the Highlands. It was built to allow funerals processions and coffins to reach Duthil Church over the River Dulnain when the river was in spate. Hence, the bridge earned its nickname of 'The Coffin Bridge'.

We must have driven past this beautiful bridge dozens of times over the last 30 years while on holiday. Thankfully, this time we took the time to stop to take a proper look and have a little walk around the village of Carrbridge.

The bridge was commissioned by Brigadier-General Alexander Grant and constructed by local stonemason John Niccelsone in 1717 at a cost of £100, paid for by Duthil Church. As well as the funeral processions, the bridge also provided a way for tradesmen and locals to cross the river.

The parapets and railings were washed away in the devastating Muckle Spate floods of 1829.

There is a plaque near the bridge that reads, “At the beginning of the eighteenth century, to the inconvenience of both travellers and local people, there was no point at which the River Dulnain could be crossed when it was in spate, and burials at the Church of Duthil were often delayed. Brigadier-General Alexander Grant of Grant, Clan Chief, commissioned John Niccelsone, a mason from Ballindaloch, to build a bridge at Lynne of Dalrachney. Built between May and November 1717, the bridge was paid for out of stipends of the Parish of Duthill. Its parapets and side walls were badly damaged in the 18th century and again in the famous flood of August 1829, giving the appearance it still has today.”.

Today, the beautiful remaining arch of the bridge can be viewed from a viewing platform at the south side of the river or from the B9153 road bridge.

I mentioned that it is said to be the oldest stone bridge in the Highlands, however, on researching the history of the bridge, I found that the packhorse bridge at Glenlivet may be older. So I'm unwilling to totally commit to that statement. It will be interesting if this can be dismissed or confirmed at some point.

The bridge became listed as a scheduled monument on 29 December 1958, then in 1971 it became a Category B listed building. Subsequently it was de-scheduled on 5 April 2016 due to its dual designation.

It is an amazing little bridge with an interesting history which is definitely worth a visit.