EHG889 - Sluggan Bridge, nr. Carrbridge

SUAT Ltd was commissioned by Stewart Tod & Partners on behalf of their clients Sustrans to undertake archaeological monitoring on restoration work for Sluggan Bridge (NH 869 220), a Scheduled Ancient Monument near Carrbridge, Highland. The bridge lies on a disused Wade Road, and was originally two-arched. It is believed that it was destroyed by flood shortly after it was built and was reconstructed as a large single arch span. In September 2000 an initial phase of engineering exploratory work on the west abutment revealed parts of the internal bridge structure. This work revealed the fabric of the original two-span bridge, and its relationship to the rebuild was established. At this stage an interim report was prepared. During the period October 2001 to June 2002, further visits were made to record the internal makeup of the structure as revealed by the consolidation work and to make a final photographic record. The consolidation work revealed the nature of the carriageway metalling, fragments of the parapet and the existence of a wooden grill in the water below the base of the west abutment arch stones. Major work on the north side of the west abutment revealed two phases of the internal fill of the west abutment, collapsed walling and part of the foundation of the original in-situ walling. <1> The excavation assemblage from the work, comprising bone and iron nails from topsoil contexts, was submitted to Treasue Trove (TT 148/09). <2> <3>