The White Bridge, Whitebridge

High single span hump-back bridge; rubble with some modern rendering; ashlar dressings. Ashlar keystoned arch ring springs from low ashlar abutments; pulvinated string course (partially damaged); roughly tooled cope to parapet rising to shallow point in centre; splayed approaches. Approximate span; 40'. Lieutenant General George Wade (1673-1748) recognised the need for a good communications system to destroy the Jacobite support in the Highlands. Between 1724 and 1740 a network of over 240 miles of road and 40 bridges were constructed connecting the mains centres of Perth, Fort William, Fort Augustus and Inverness. (ref: Am Baile)

August 2008: Local planners report the condition of the bridge has been of concern for sometime them, heritage group South Loch Ness Heritage and a local Councillor. Establishing ownership of the bridge has been challenging; it appears to be in multiple ownership, some of which resides in a company/ trust. A structural engineer has been commissioned to assess condition and develop an action plan to save the bridge.

September 2008: External inspection finds that the bridge is grassed over. There are stones missing from the inside of the parapet. The exterior is cement rendered and home to many plants.

October 2008: Local planners report that, although in the ownership of at least three riparian parties, the planning authority has attempted to broker a solution for the bridge. They have appointed a firm of conservation engineers to carry out a structural report which is now done and a meeting of those within the Council, including the Local Councillor, is to take place in early November to discuss a way forward. There are serious concerns regarding the structural stability of the bridge.

September 2010: External inspection finds repair works have commenced on the bridge. A project brought forward by South Lochness Heritage aims for Phase 1 (Summer 2010) to set up safe access to the bridge to strengthen the abutments, repoint sections of the structure and grout the roadway. Funding is being sought for a larger application for the bridge.

December 2010: Inverness Courier reports South Lochness Heritage is to undertake further fundraising to allow the completion of repair works to the bridge. An initial £18,000 repair works allowed for the strengthening of weak points and the rebuild of the east abutment and repair of the bridge parapet. The bridge requires further works before it can be opened to pedestrian traffic.