4. Mar, 2022
The Roads of the Far North: Who Built Them?
I have just added a page on the roads of the Far North. I realise a history of road construction may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I discovered that the story of their completion over a number of years was, for me, fascinating enough to fill a whole chapter in my book, The Immeasurable Wilds. It must be remembered that until 1800, there was only one road to the north of Inverness, and that road clung to the east coast as far as Wick, and on to Thurso. Beyond that point, even as late as 1820, Duncan's Itinerary stated that "travellers ...should endeavour to procure a guide, as without one he may deviate from the path, which is only what the Highlandes call a bridle road, and few houses to be met with. The traveller will do well to fill his flask and supply his scrip [food bag] at Reay Kirk Inn, as he may rest assured he will require their aid before he reaches Tongue."
It was clear that the area desperately needed infrastructure, and how that came about, mainly under the supervision of Thomas Telford, is documented in a number of accounts ranging from the Reports of the Commissioners for Roads and Bridges in the Highlands of Scotland, to enthusiastic observations by Robert Southey, poet laureate of the day and friend of Telford, and also Reminiscences by Joseph Mitchell, one of the engineers on the project.
My chapter includes a description of the construction of the Caledonian Canal, a massive project that took some 20 years to complete. The page I have added to this website gives a brief outline only of the development of the roads in the Far North. Driving along these single-tracked carriageways is a remarkable experience for those of us who are more used to motorway speeds and an aggressive style of driving. Understanding the history of their construction adds even more to that experience, I believe.
For details of my book please paste the following link onto your browser: www.whittlespublishing.com/The_Immeasurable_Wilds