Larbert, R. Carron, 1893

Over the R. Carron near Larbert, Stirlingshire

This was among the first bridges to emerge from the new Craiginches Ironworks, and had tubular pylons. It proudly bears a plate inscribed 'Louis Harper AMICE, Maker, Aberdeen'. Here is the contemporary report from the Aberdeen Evening Express of 27th June, 1893.

"FOOTBRIDGE OVER RIVER CARRON"

We observe from the "Falkirk Mail" that a Harper's patent steel rope suspension bridge has been erected near Falkirk. The bridge is 90 feet span by 4 feet wide, and was opened on Wednesday by the county Council of Stirlingshire in the presence of 2000 to 3000 people, who passed over it. The bridge was supplied by Mr Louis Harper, CE, Aberdeen, whose design was selected by the committee out of several others submitted. A service of cake and wine took place at the opening ceremony; and in the evening the inhabitants of the village held a demonstration in honour of the occasion. Remarks were made by various speakers, who referred I high terms to the beauty and stability of the structure"

This bridge had cast iron pylons with finials, and the main cables and deck cables share the main anchorages.  The bridge is still in use, despite annual floods of the River Carron.  At some stage it lost its finials so it doesn't look quite so distinguished today.  (Map Ref NS 861818)