A new trail has been launched to highlight some of Aberdeenshire’s most historic bridges.
The 300-mile circular route showcases a diverse range of spectacular scenery from the coastal and mountain areas of the region and takes in 2,800 years of history along the way.
Aberdeenshire Provost Bill Howatson will officially unveil the new initiative tomorrow with the Grampian Transport Museum as a backdrop.
Stretching from an Iron Age route over the famous Cairn O’Mount to the Hanoverian military roads between Deeside and Donside and along the area’s beautiful coast, the trail transverses 12 of the area’s historic bridges.
Starting centrally on the route is the first of the guide’s crossings, Bridge of Alford, where a new plaque will be unveiled marking its design by renowned engineer Thomas Telford and construction by local man William Minto in 1811.
Travelling north to Banff Bridge, the route then hugs the coast down to the Waterside Bridge at the Ythan nature reserve and onto the Old Ellon Bridge in the centre of the town.
Old Inverbervie Bridge, Lower North Water Bridge in Montrose, Gannochy Bridge, Old bridge of Dye and Bridge of Feugh complete the southern part of the loop.
And, in Royal Deeside, the Isambard Kingdom Brunel-designed Balmoral Bridge, Gairnshiel Bridge and Bridge of Buchaam complete the dozen.
The Aberdeenshire Historic Bridges Trail guide has been published to accompany the journey offering more about the history and engineering behind the structures, such as the medieval Gannochy Bridge, on the border with Angus, which was completed around 1460.
The bridges trail is being launched in Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.
For more information, please visit: www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk