It was a grey day when I set out to see the Brig o’ Balgownie in Old Aberdeen. Down a narrow cobbled street I travelled to visit one of Scotland’s oldest bridges.
But then, there was light!
I’m not sure why some of the lights on the bridge were on; maybe it was just such a dark day that they automatically activated. Or maybe they knew I was coming 😉
Anyway, trip-trap, trip-trap, over the bridge I went…
History of the Brig o’ Balgownie
The bridge was completed about 1320 at the behest of Robert the Bruce. It was almost completely rebuilt in 1605 when a fund was set up for its maintenance ‘in perpetuity.’ And, indeed, it remains in good condition today, complete with loops to tie up your horse.
Folklore
Talking of horses, Thomas the Rhymer made a prophecy about the bridge:
“Brig o’ Balgownie, black’s yer wa’;
Wi’ a wife’s ae son, and a meer’s ae foal,
Doon ye shall fa.’”
Translation: when an only child crosses the bridge on a horse that’s a foal and also an only child, it – the bridge – will fall down.
This made Lord Byron nervous about crossing the medieval bridge as a child, but he and his horse, and the bridge, survived.
Hunting High and Low
I wanted a good photo of the bridge taken from beside the river. So, down these steps I trotted:
However, walking along that side of the River Don didn’t provide any view of the bridge at all.
Trip-trap, trip-trap, and down the other side:
I stood in thick, clay-rich mud to take that photo, and then, up the hill I climbed… The more modern Bridge of Don can just be made out through the trees there.
It was tricky to get a proper view back to Balgownie through the foliage, but I eventually did. Ta-da!
The Manteith Collection
Aberdeen’s 1597 witchcraft panic (mermaid) and 18th century kidnappings (fireflies) combine with love and hope in THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR & FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE. Christmas features in both books!
“Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society Editor’s Pick
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The Performance: sometimes going home for Christmas is just one huge performance…
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Your homeland is fascinating to me, Ailish.
Love the pics you take and the stories that go with them!
Lovely photos and happy memories! I used to love walking over the Brig when I lived in the area
Lovely photos and a great walk. I’d love to see it in person!
Your photos are amazingly beautiful.
Gorgeous bridge pictures. Makes this troll consider resettling and taking up the task of toll collector. Trip trip trip, trap trap trap!