Scotland’s medieval bridge:
Brig o’ Balgownie
Old Aberdeen
The Brig o' Balgownie is a Category A listed single-span bridge over the River Don, first built in 1314 to 1318 and rebuilt in the early 17th century. It was the only northern route into Aberdeen until 1827. For Aberdeen City Council we conserved and repaired the central parapet walls.
Before & after
Drag across the image to compare the building before our work and after completion.
BeforeAfter
The challenge
Access over the river required a carefully designed scaffold that protected the historic fabric and gave a safe working platform. The bridge had also suffered numerous inappropriate repairs, including cement pointing.
Our solution
Working with Speyside Scaffolding, we wrapped the structure in a bespoke scaffold. Our masons removed cement mortars and failed repairs, then carried out substantial masonry repair with deep void packing and pinning. Pointing was finished flush rather than recessed to shed water and allow moisture to evaporate freely from the walls.
Outcomes
Historic fabric protected
A free-standing scaffold avoided damage to the 700-year-old structure.
Inappropriate repairs reversed
Cement was replaced with compatible lime mortar throughout the parapets.
Built to shed water
Flush pointing and deep packing will help the bridge stay dry for decades.
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