'Colossus of Roads' engineer Thomas Telford set for spotlight at Tain and Easter Ross Civic Trust talk

The man who changed the face of the Highlands with his engineering prowess is the subject of the next talk organised by Tain and Easter Ross Civic Trust.

Renowned engineer Thomas Telford built roads, bridges, harbours, churches and even towns across the region in the early 19th century, including Tain Tolbooth, The Mound in Sutherland, Portmahomack Harbour and the original Bonar Bridge.

Croick Church was built to his design, which was used in more than 40 churches

across the Highlands.

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The supervising architect for Croick was James Smith, who was also architect for the original Tain Royal Academy and what is now the Duthac Centre.

Susan Kruse from Archaeology for Communities in the Highlands (ARCH) will be exploring the work of the man dubbed the “Colossus of Roads” at The Royal Hotel in Tain on Tuesday, June 20.

Trust chairman, Richard Littlewood, said the talk would shed light on the man who made his mark in the Highlands.

“It will be a fascinating insight into this world-renowned engineer, whose roads and canals opened up transport links before the invention of railways. His work has stood the test of time and is still very evident across the region. Susan will be exploring this work, with special focus on the Kyle of Sutherland.”

Susan’s talk, which starts at 8pm, is free to Trust members and £5 to non-members.

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