Lineone (Tiscali)

The Sanquhar Brig

One of many popular walks with Muirkirk folk over the years is over the moor to the Sanquhar Brig. Passing Macadam's Stone, (P8) you come to a small hill called "Whisky Knowe". Legend has it that barrels of whisky were buried somewhere in the hillside, in a desperate bid to outwit an Exciseman (or "gauger" as they were known) in hot pursuit of a few unruly characters many many years ago.
How much truth is in the tale I do not know. I have to admit it added more than a slight degree of intrigue to the walk nonetheless!

Oh, incidentally...........legend also has it that the whisky is still there..............
......Cue for a party perhaps?

Whisky Knowe

(Extract from the poem "Southside Memories" by James Strickland c1900)

To scan the dear old Sanquhar Road,
The Garpel's crystal stream,
The Whisky Knowe, the placid Lade,
Bedecked in silvery sheen

A short distance beyond "Whisky Knowe" lies the rebuilt Sanquhar Brig.
(Now in its 3rd reincarnation, according to my research. If you know differently, please contact me by em!)

As I mention elsewhere within these pages, I used to enjoy a walk there with my late father during the 1960's. In those days, the bridge was a crude construction, fabricated from reclaimed railway sleepers. It was little more than a sideless "platform" across the stream, just capable of taking the weight of a farm tractor or Land Rover or similar.

Time has an irrefutible tendency to take its toll on all things, the Sanquhar Brig being no exception. Inevitably, the day came when the brig of the 60's era could no longer be considered safe to use. A much revered and historic local landmark was about to disappear forever..................

Muirkirk Community Council decided that this should not be allowed to happen. A plan to renew the Sanquhar Brig was born. The arduous task culminated in 1993 when William Shaw had the honour of officially opening the revised and rebuilt Sanquhar Brig.

There it stands, a lasting symbol of the dedication and devotion of those who actively contributed to the project.

Sanquhar Brig, May 1999

Plaque bolted to Sanquhar Brig

Send your comments to me

Stuart Thomson

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Last updated 1st January 2008

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