Old Photograph Vintage Car Pitlochry Perthshire Scotland

Old photograph of a vintage car near Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland. The development of the town began in the 18th century, when General Wade’s Great North Road, built to allow military access to the Highlands, was routed through Pitlochry. General Wade was sent to Scotland in July 1724. He reported back in December that " more than half of the 22,000 men capable of bearing arms in the Highlands and Islands were ready to create new troubles and rise in arms to favour the Pretender ". In his report Wade pointed out that government troops would benefit from improved roads and river crossings to put down the rebels. King George I appointed Wade as Commander in chief, North Britain. The first of four roads whose building Wade would oversee, was under construction by the following year; 1, from Inverness to Fort William (along the south side of Loch Ness, 2 from Dunkeld to Inverness via Pass of Drumochter, 3 from Crieff to the existing road at Dalnacardoch by Aberfeldy and Tummel Bridge, 4 from Dalwhinnie to Fort Augustus via Corrieyairack Pass, and a spur to Ruthven via Crubenbeg. Construction of the roads took place between April and October of each year, the winter months being too harsh for such labours. Work in the summer could be arduous too with uncertain weather and the presence of the ubiquitous midge. The construction parties consisted of 100 men overseen by 2 corporals, 2 sergeants, 2 subalterns and a captain. They were generally also accompanied by a drummer. Wade engaged craftsmen with skills in masonry, carpentry for example to ensure that major structures such as bridges were built to a standard. Encampments were established at ten mile intervals and the inns which developed became known as Kingshouses. Some of these continue to serve travellers today. The well known Kingshouse on Rannoch Moor sits beside the route made by Wade's successor William Caulfeild.



All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs.