Polhollick, Suspension Bridge, Steel suspension bridge near Ballater, Scotland
Polhollick Suspension Bridge is a cast iron footbridge spanning the River Dee near Ballater with a distinctive steel cable system supporting the walkway. The bridge measures approximately 52 meters in length and features metal towers that rise above the river to hold the suspension cables in place.
Constructed in 1892 by James Abernethy, this bridge replaced a ferry crossing that had been associated with a tragic drowning accident. The project represented a major improvement in river crossing infrastructure for the local community in this region of northeast Scotland.
The bridge represents the engineering advancement of northeast Scotland, with its distinctive tooth-edged cross girders and metal arch design patterns.
The footbridge is subject to capacity restrictions that limit how many people can use it at the same time. Visitors should be prepared for a potentially narrow crossing and check local conditions before attempting to visit, especially during wet weather.
During World War II, an Armstrong Whitworth bomber aircraft made an emergency landing on the River Dee, causing damage to the bridge structure. This wartime incident remains a distinctive part of the bridge's past and reflects how even remote Scottish locations were affected by military operations.
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