Craigmin Bridge

The bridge has a very unusual[2] two-tier design, with a lower, single-arched span supporting two semi-circular arches above, with a smaller segmental arch[3] and a mural passage between them,[4] and a shallow round-headed niche above in the spandrel.[4] The structure is rubble-built, with end buttresses, an undulating parapet, and a later concrete cope.[5] A doorway in the north-west corner of the bridge gives access to a small cell built into the structure.[6][7]

The span of the lower arch is 36 feet 6 inches (11.13 m), and each of the upper arches has a 28 feet (8.5 m) span.[3] The unusual design has been described as 'remarkable',[2] 'curious'[8] and 'wildly picturesque'.[9]

The bridge has existed in its current state since around 1773,[2] when it was built to carry a carriage drive to Letterfourie House over the steep ravine of the Burn of Letterfourie.[4] It is possible that the upper, two-span tier was built on top of an existing, single-span structure, giving rise to the unusual design.[5][7][8] This would likely have been because the a road leading up the ravine from the level of the lower tier, while suitable for foot traffic, would have been too steep for a carriage to manage.[3] It is probable that Robert Adam, who designed the house, also worked on the bridge,[1] but no drawings or documentation survive to confirm this.[7]

The bridge was designated a category A listed building in 1972.[4] It was added to the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland in 2008, due to the invasion of vegetation leading to bulging walls and the loss of pointing and masonry.[7] Despite some efforts to cut back the vegetation, it is still at risk, and as of August 2018 was classified as being at 'high' risk and in 'poor' condition.[7]