Stirling Old Bridge

For hundreds of years, the Category A-Listed Stirling Old Bridge has provided the lowest crossing point on the Forth River. The 82 m (268 ft) long stone bridge was constructed in around 1500, replacing earlier wooden bridges that hosted the historically significant Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 and Jacobite Rising of 1745.

When a modern, dynamic, color-changing lighting design was desired to illuminate the notable bridge, the solution called for lighting the bridge’s four semicircular arches from new column-mounted fittings, as well as reusing the existing locations of ground-mounted fixtures and installing uplighting on both sides of the riverbank.

Given the national heritage status of the bridge, onsite trials with Historic Environments Scotland (HES) and local architects were vital to ensure fixture placement and lighting levels were correctly and sympathetically implemented. Moreover, the river near the bridge is prone to flooding, requiring IP68-rated ground-mounted fittings and installation of the floodlights on the bridge’s columns.

Color Kinetics ReachElite High Output Powercore, RGBW 100 luminaires were selected for cross lighting, complementing the ground-mounted lighting to provide dynamic color-changing lighting effects that can be controlled remotely. The arch lighting transitions colors, bringing the bridge to life. The effect is particularly striking at night when the colorful lighting reflects in the river. Users can change colors and light shows and select from programmed displays for holidays and special events.

The innovative bridge lighting system brings modern, multicolor lighting to an area steeped in history and traditional architecture.