The Fort Augustus Preservation Trust
Needs rapidly to establish a membership - in order to raise funds for our first project. Our aim is to restore the timber bridge at the mouth of the river Oich. This is a “listed” monument and, if restored, should become “the best example of a traditional style, trestle bridge in the whole of Scotland”. Your support will enable it to resume use as a year-round pedestrian right of way.
There was formerly a three-arched stone bridge in the village, built by the redcoat army, after the Jacobite defeat of 1746. It was importantly used by all the cattle drovers travelling to the south from Skye and the North of Scotland. It later carried the main road from Fort William to Inverness.
In the “Great Floods” of 1849 both stone bridges over the river Oich were washed away, but our most celebrated local architect/engineer - Joseph Mitchell - made a direct appeal to the Westminster Parliament for funds to make an immediate repair, in timber, of the “Bunoich” bridge at Fort Augustus. His “temporary repair” has lasted to the present day – though desperately in need of replacement timbers. We believe that its restoration will significantly improve the area's attractiveness to visitors.
We urgently need a representative number of Fort Augustus residents, and those within a five mile radius of the village, to subscribe as members of this new Trust. (Membership will in no way conflict with that of the new Community Company – the organisations differing in role and function. We hope to operate closely, in parallel.)
As a demonstration of local support, your joining us will enable us to request, from other agencies, the additional funding required. We already have the promise of a substantial grant from Historic Scotland – and need to “match” this from the Lottery etc. We need not necessarily involve you in further activities – or costs!
FAPT members will be entitled to attend annual meetings, to nominate – or be voted on as - Directors and to champion local (wildlife or heritage) concerns. We are now established as a registered Charity (no: SC039435) and have a website underway at <www.fapt.co.uk>.
Application forms will be available in the Fort Augustus Post Office and Council Service Point and can be returned (with the £2 subscription) to the Service Point or to the FAPT Treasurer's address at “Braevard” (opposite the Surgery). Please help us – now!
