Yair Bridge
Yair Bridge (6902313283).jpg
Coordinates55°35′10″N 2°52′10″W / 55.586°N 2.8695°W / 55.586; -2.8695Coordinates: 55°35′10″N 2°52′10″W / 55.586°N 2.8695°W / 55.586; -2.8695
CarriesA707 public road
CrossesRiver Tweed
Heritage statusCategory A listed
Characteristics
MaterialStone
Total length146 feet (45 m)
No. of spans3
Clearance below22 feet (6.7 m)
History
DesignerWilliam Mylne
Opened1764
Location

The Yair Bridge or Fairnilee Bridge is a bridge across the River Tweed at Yair, near Galashiels in the Scottish Borders.

History[edit]

The bridge in winter

It was built in around 1764, with William Mylne acting as both designer and contractor.[1] Its construction was authorised by an Act of Parliament obtained in 1764, for 12 miles (19 km) of road that would cost 6560l, including the "substantial" bridge at Fairnilee.[2]

It was listed as a Category A listed building in 1971.[3]

The bridge was substantially rebuilt between 1987 and 1988, with the addition of reinforcing concrete.[4]

Design[edit]

The bridge viewed from the south

It has three arches of 42 feet (13 m) span, and is 22 feet (6.7 m) clear over the river.[4] The total length of the bridge is 146 feet (45 m).[4] The width between the parapets is 13 feet 9 inches (4.19 m), but the cutwaters are carried up to form semi-hexagonal pedestrian refuges.[4] The piers and abutments are made from block masonry, and the rest of the structure is made from rubble.[4]

The bridge carries the A707 public road across the River Tweed.[5]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Skempton, A. W. (2002). A Biographical Dictionary of Civil Engineers in Great Britain and Ireland: 1500–1830. Thomas Telford. p. 473. ISBN 978-0-7277-2939-2.
  2. ^ Douglas, Robert (1798). General View of the Agriculture of the Counties of Roxburgh and Selkirk; with Observations on the Means of Its Improvement. Richard Phillips. p. 322.
  3. ^ Historic Environment Scotland. "Yair Bridge (Category A Listed Building) (LB1901)". Retrieved 29 March 2019.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Yair Bridge". rcahms.gov.uk. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  5. ^ Google (16 March 2015). "Yair Bridge" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved 16 March 2015.

External links[edit]