MHG5371 - Slipway, Glenelg
Summary
A slipway and pier by Thomas Telford, 1818, incorporating a cattle-droving ramp.
Type and Period (3)
- SLIPWAY (Built, 19th Century - 1818 AD to 1821 AD)
- JETTY (Built, 19th Century - 1818 AD to 1821 AD)
- RAMP (Built, 19th Century - 1818 AD to 1821 AD)
Protected Status
Full Description
NG72SE 36 7944 2130
An article on the old harbours of north and west Scotland includes the following information about this slipway: The shoreline at Bernera was embanked with a straight bulwark 120ft (36.6m) long which descended a 90ft (27.4m) slip for cattle. The 125ft (36.6m) pier projected at right angles from the southern end of the bulwark. The Skye ferry met the end of the military road from Glenshiel and droved cattle were landed here. The article also includes a copy of Telford's plan. <1>
A ferry slipway and pier incorporating a significant cattle-droving ramp, located at the shortest crossing point between the mainland and the Isle of Skye. Constructed in 1818 by renowned Scottish engineer Thomas Telford, it is his only slipway to incorporate a cattle droving ramp.
The slipway is of large dressed whinstone blocks laid in courses, shelving into the water, with stone sets to the pier/jetty surface. The cattle ramp is orientated at right angles to the slipway and is also partially laid with rubble sets. It comprises a natural rock formation to the east and a 120flt rubble bulwark to the west curving at an angle with the pier. The slipway remains in use (2009) with a ferry service running from April to October. <2>
An amended list description now states that the slipway was constructed between 1818 and 1821 and is currently (2009) covered with concrete screed. <3>
Photographs of the slipway were taken in August 2010 and March 2011 and were submitted to Highland Council prior to the commencement of repair, consolidation and underpinning works (listed building consent 10/04195/LBC). <4>
Three photographs of the slipway at Glenelg were submitted by Martin Briscoe in May 2011. <5>
Sources/Archives (5)
- <1> SHG1309 Text/Publication/Article: Graham, A and Gordon, J. 1988. 'Old harbours in northern and western Scotland', Proc Soc Antiq Scot, Vol 117 (1987), pp 265-352. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Digital. pp 327-8, Illus 37.
- <2> SHG24611 Text/Designation Notification/List of Buildings: Historic Scotland. 30/03/2009. Combined Statutory and Descriptive List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest (Highland Council, One Hundred and Tenth Amendment)2009. HB 51306.
- <3> SHG24041 Dataset: Historic Scotland. Information Supplementary to the Statutory List (This information has no legal significance). Digital. HB 51306.
- <4> SHG25389 Image/Photograph(s): Scott Wilson. 2010-11. Photographic record of Glenelg slipway prior to commencement of repair works. Colour. Digital.
- <5> SHG25928 Image/Photograph(s): Briscoe, J M. 2011. Photographs of the slipway at Glenelg. Colour digital. Yes. Digital.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred NG 79454 21314 (49m by 50m) (2 map features) |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | NG72SE |
| Geographical Area | SKYE AND LOCHALSH |
| Civil Parish | GLENELG |
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (1)
Related Investigations/Events (1)
External Links (3)
- http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/library/psas/ (View PSAS article on ADS website)
- http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB51306 (Online designation description (Historic Environment Scotland))
- https://canmore.org.uk/site/11705 (View RCAHMS Canmore entry for this site)
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