Bridgeness, Linlithgowshire

Historical Description

BRIDGENESS, a village, in the parish of CARRIDEN, county of LINLITHGOW, 1 mile (E.) from Bo'ness, containing 89 inhabitants. It is situated on the south shore of the Firth of Forth, and its population is engaged in the works in the vicinity. There is an excellent pier here, which some years since was extended about 150 feet further into the sea, in order to improve the accommodation, by securing a greater depth of water for the vessels by which the harbour is frequented, The vessels are chiefly employed in the export of coal and salt, and the import of manure and limestone. As many as 300 coasters, varying from twenty to 100 tons' burthen, annually enter from different ports in Scotland; and about ten foreign ships, of greater tonnage, yearly take in coal at this place. Formerly, chemical-works were established here, for the manufacture of vitriol and sulphuric-acid, but they have been some time relinquished.