The old footbridge at Hassendean Station

Image: © Walter Baxter Taken: 28 Aug 2010

Hassendean Station is situated one mile south of Minto Kames on the route of the former Edinburgh to Carlisle Waverley Railway Line that was closed in 1969. The platforms were staggered and this footbridge linked the main offices on the up platform with a waiting room on the down platform. The owner of the station has carefully restored and converted the existing buildings into a dwelling house and an architectural practice office. The bridge is believed to be the only surviving wooden railway bridge still in its original location in Britain, but it is in need of restoration. The support timbers at mid-span have been introduced as a safety precaution and the public were allowed access to the bridge from the up platform side on the right, but only as far as the red and white tape between the handrails. An open weekend (when this photo was taken) was held to allow visitors to view the bridge and help towards the considerable cost of its refurbishment. The bridge is on private ground and this photo was submitted to the site with the permission of the owner.

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