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Updated 05/22/2018

 


Rutherglen Bridge

The Rutherglen Bridge (sometimes referred to as the Shawfield Bridge) is a low three-arch masonry bridge crossing the River Clyde on the boundary between Glasgow City and South Lanarkshire. The bridge connects Bridgeton and Dalmarnock to the north with Oatlands, Polmadie and Rutherglen in the south. Built 1893-96 in grey-granite by Morrison & Mason, the engineers were Crouch & Hogg of Glasgow. The piers are founded on steel caissons, which were sunk to the bedrock 18.2m (60 feet) below the river. This was achieved by men working around the clock to dig out the river-bed, while contained within a compressed air chamber, with light provided by candles.

The name of Rutherglen, as well as its Scots name Ruglen, is perhaps from Scottish Gaelic An Ruadh-Ghleann, meaning 'the red valley'. The derivation may also however be Welsh, or Cumbric and mean "the valley of Rydderch". Rydderch - pronounced 'rutherch' - 'ruther' as in 'brother' and 'ch' as in 'loch' - was one of the most famous kings associated with the Welsh-speaking kingdom which centered on Dumbarton.