2macstracks

Carrbridge

I think when I lived in Aviemore I simply accepted the name of “Carrbridge” without giving it much thought but the story behind it’s old bridge is intriguing.

Before the “Packhorse Bridge” or “Coffin Bridge” was built if the water was high in the Duthil River no one could get across from the village to the church on the other side which caused big issues for mourners carrying the coffins in funeral processions. The bridge was built in 1717 and cost £100 and was paid for out of the Duthil Church minister’s allowance. A devastating flood in 1829 washed away the guard rails, it’s the Scottish Highlands oldest known stone bridge.

When driving through Carrbridge on our way to Aviemore to meet up with family we stopped in Carrbridge to check out the sculptures I’d noticed when passing through a few days before. They weren’t there back in the 1970s.

I discovered that every year since 2003 Carrbridge has held a “Carve Challenge”, it’s an open chainsaw carving competition and around the town are some of the sculptures which have been created over the years. The items carved remained the property of the carvers who could sell them at an auction if they wanted. There are plenty of amazing carvings in Carrbridge my favourites are on the poles supporting a bench in a local park. Each pole depicts little creatures and significant figures on its surface. Below are just some of them.