Cuthill Bridge

The story of the bridges over the Breich Water.

The old Cuthill Bridge dates back probably to at least the eighteenth century. It may even be older, or it may have replaced an earlier structure.

By the 1930s, the old bridge was inadequate for the traffic using it, given that it led to a major oil works and several mines. In addition, it was set down low over the water, so traffic had to go down a steep slope to the bridge, then up a steep hill beyond it, and this led to several accidents.

In 1935, there was discussion about the situation, and in 1936 Midlothian County Council decided to replace it with the bridge that survives to this day. The work was done in 1938-39.

You can still see the old bridge today. Look over the west parapet of the present bridge, and you'll see the old bridge down below.

The old Cuthill Bridge

Working on the bridge in the winter of 1938-39.

Steamroller at work on the new approach roads to the bridge, 1938-39.

Men at work on the bridge, 1938-39. Looking south to Livingstone Street.

Men at work on the approach road to the bridge. In the background, Livingstone Street.

The new bridge, being built alongside the old. Looking north towards Cuthill Farm.

A girder is lowered onto the new bridge.

The girders begin to form the roadway of the new bridge.

The old bridge seen from the Breich Water, 1930s.

The bridges over the Breich. You can just about see both the old and the new in the satellite version.

This page was added by Sybil Cavanagh on 28/04/2012.

Comments about this page

I have lived in Addiewell for over 25 years and visited relatives here regularly as a boy but had no idea that the old bridge existed. I must try to get a photograph of it. It is surrounded by overgrown bushes and trees so it will have to wait til winter.

By John O'Rourke
On 14/09/2022

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