Beneath our feet lies more than just a modern path. This is Milheugh Bridge. It is a place touched by centuries of stories. The original Milheugh Bridge likely dated back to medieval times. That’s around the 13th century when Blantyre Priory was built.
Built of stone, it originally had one arch. A smaller tunnel also existed. This feature still exists on the modern bridge. During the 1952 demolition, the old arch was extensively repaired. The new 1952 Milheugh Bridge has two arches. It also has the smaller tunnel. Its design is sympathetic to the original.
But the area around Milheugh Bridge holds a sadder tale. During the Second World War, a deep pool sat beside the bridge. It was said a soldier returned from war in 1948. He went swimming with friends. He got into difficulties in the deep pool and became entangled. He sadly drowned. For four years, the pool was called “The Sodger’s Hole”. That means The Soldier’s Hole. During the 1952 demolition, stone was used to fill in the Sodger’s Hole. This made it safer for children. It was concreted over. This formed part of the new bridge’s foundations.
Generations of children have played under the arches since then. They were unaware they stood on “The Sodger’s Hole”. They didn’t know of the tragic events that happened there.
However, locals were furious after the mysterious destruction of a bridge. It was used as part of a popular nature walk. Regular users of Greenhall Park were shocked. In particular, they found that the Millheugh Bridge over the Rotten Calder had been destroyed. Locals discovered the bridge had been vandalised. It was removed before being dropped into the water. It is believed that the damage was not caused by youths. Instead, it was someone operating heavy machinery and cutting equipment.
One dog walker was absolutely outraged. He had been up and down that area since he was a kid. He immediately contacted the council and the police.
Another concerned dog walker contacted the Advertiser about the damage. She said it is extremely dangerous now. She said it is very disruptive to all the people who like to use it daily.
Following complaints, council engineers inspected the site. A council spokesman said they were alerted to the damage by the police. It would appear that the bridge has been vandalised. They suspect professional cutting equipment was used. Heavy machinery such as a mechanical excavator may have been used.
The story of Milheugh Bridge is more than just stone and arches. It is a blend of history, industry, and human stories. It is a reminder of both progress and loss.