01 June 2006

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, unveiled a plaque on Balmoral Bridge on 29th May to commemorate the bicentenary year of the birth of its designer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

The plaque was presented by ICE to the current bridge owners, Aberdeenshire Council, which looks after and maintains the A-listed heritage structure. 

The Duke of Edinburgh was joined by Aberdeenshire Council Provost Raymond Bisset for the ceremony. Brunel’s great-great-grandson, Lord Gladwyn, also attended.

Provost Bisset said: “The Balmoral Bridge is truly a unique structure, not only in Aberdeenshire but in the whole of Scotland.

“I am delighted that the Institution of Civil Engineers has provided the plaque to honour Brunel’s work and it is fitting that a member of the Royal Family – Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh – will be joining us to unveil it.”

Brunel was commissioned to design the bridge by Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, the Royal Family having purchased Balmoral Estate in 1848. 

Aberdeenshire Council’s Principal Engineer (Bridges) Donald Macpherson, said: “The bridge was built between 1856 and 1857, with Isambard choosing the then new material – wrought iron – to come up with an innovative, cost-efficient design which has stood the test of time and still carries traffic today.”

Ewan Wallace, former East of Scotland Chair and Aberdeenshire Council’s Transportation Manager, added: “The excellent work of civil engineers often goes unheralded and unnoticed, so the Institution is always keen to take the opportunity to recognise the worth of our profession to society. 

“Isambard Kingdom Brunel is the perfect example to our young engineers of the type of engineer that our society needs to ensure that we can meet the challenges ahead.

“The Institution is therefore delighted to be able to commemorate such a Great Briton in this way.”

The unveiling of the plaque also coincides with an ongoing exhibition of Brunel’s actual sketches of designs for the bridge, which are currently on display to the public for visitors to Balmoral Castle.

Linda Collins