Day 136: Just caught the lights changing on the Inchinnan Bascule Bridge

In early times a ford or ferry helped people cross the Black and White Cart to reach the small town of Inchinnan. In 1759 a nine-arched stone bridge was constructed where the two rivers met. However, this meant that ships sailing up to Paisley had to lower their masts – slow, hard work – to pass through. A canal was then constructed to get round the problem, first with a swing bridge and, in 1923, with the present bascule bridge.

‘Bascule’ is French for a seesaw or balance. This type of bridge, introduced in the 1850s became widespread as a means to maintain a roadway while allowing a ship to pass through when required. Tower Bridge, London, is the best known example.