The old highway to Edinburgh crossed the Tweed near Tweedbank. It was known as ‘Garthgate’, the King’s Road.
Between Melrose and Galashiels there was a very old crossing of the Tweed called Pringles Bridge, which has now been completely lost. It was associated with the cannons being taken over the river for the battle at Flodden. People have dived there when the river is very low but found no remains.
[Find out more from Clan Pringle]
The Chain Bridge at Gattonside celebrates its 200th anniversary in October 2026. It is associated with Thomas Telford, who was born at Westerkirk near Dumfries, who was known as the Colossus of Roads and is buried in Westminster Abbey.
[Read about it here. There was a box of stilts available for anyone who preferred to cross at the nearby ford instead of paying for the bridge!]
This story was recounted at the Merlindale Nature Festival 2026 near Drumelzier, run by The Borders Meadows Trust. With thanks to everyone there who so generously shared their memories and reflections of the Tweed.
Image: The Gattonside Suspension Bridge links Gattonside village with Melrose town.
