Dollar Glen Bridge
Covanburn Projects
Client
National Trust Scotland
Value
£130,000
Location
Dollar
When National Trust Scotland appointed Covanburn to undertake the replacement of a damaged timber bridge which had been a longstanding part of the stunning local landscape we understood how important it was to respect the local environment and establish ways to carry out the work without disturbing surrounding wildlife and habitats.
Dollar Glen Bridge sits within the picturesque Scottish scenery of Dollar Glen, and it was badly damaged by a storm in 2021 which led to its closure for several years. The bridge’s structural integrity was compromised after fallen trees damaged the main steelwork frame. The goal of the project was to replace the damaged main steelwork section of the structure, and the aging timber, with new high-quality timber that would restore the bridge’s functionality while preserving its life at Dollar Glen.
Throughout the project, a key priority was minimising the environmental footprint. The use of local sourced timber not only support local economies but also ensured a sustainable approach to material sourcing.
We took special care to reduce our impact on natural vegetation and the environment by carrying all materials to site manually, on foot, across 600 metres of steep terrain.
The end result was a bridge providing safe passage for pedestrians while also contributing to the charm and aesthetic value of the area, with all works being completed on time and within budget.
The works included:
This project was a great example of how works can be carried out in the spirit of the environment around them. A landscape as striking and beautiful as Dollar Glen commands respect in its own right. Adapting our usual practices to ensure we did nothing to disturb the environment even by a little was challenging in the best possible way.
The replacement of the damaged timber bridge in Dollar Glen marked a significant achievement in enhancing local infrastructure while preserving the region’s natural beauty. The final structure, blending modern, new materials and techniques with traditional timber, now stands as a proud feature in Dollar Glen.
