Vital bridge over Endrick upgraded

Travel in the Drymen area became easier in July 1929, following the re-opening of the re-constructed bridge across the Endrick.

It was the Duchess of Montrose who declared open the upgraded Drymen Bridge which had been built by General Wade in 1765 following the opening up of the Highlands after the Jacobite Rising 20 years earlier.

By the 1920s, the structure was judged inadequate for the needs of traffic and a re-construction programme was agreed by the county councils of Dumbarton and Stirling.

According to the Observer:‘ The dangerous hogback has been removed by lowering the crown by two feet and raising the approaches to the bridge to the same extent.

The bridge has also been widened and footpaths have been laid on either side. The beautiful architectural features of the bridge have been wisely retained.“

Glasgow firm Messrs McKean and Renwick carried out the work at a cost of £14,800, equivalent today to about £932,000.

The Ministry of Transport met half the cost of the upgrade with the two county councils sharing the remainder of the bill.