The Jacobs Ladder Project is another heritage restoration project within Tillydrone, focussing on the historic, but derelict stairs leading down to the Granholm Bridge.
The stairs were built in 1921 and replaced stairs originally called the white ladder but were later renamed Jacob’s ladder by locals due to their straightness. These earlier granite stairs were built in 1810 and are still present and running parallel to and join into the 1921 stairs.
The stairs conveyed between 1250-1500 workers a day to the Granholm Mills across the river Don. They made high quality uniforms there for the army in the 2 nd world war, the famous Crombie coats and great coats for the Russian army.
Although an alternative route to and from the bridge is available, the road that leads to the bottom of the stairs is in a dreadful state of uneven and dislodged cobbles and is unsuitable for people with sight impairment or people who require walking aids etc. This was confirmed by the Sensory Society who came to view the alternative route.
The stairs when repaired will lead people directly and safely to and from the Don Side Heritage Trail and Woodside Trail which run along by the River Don. These trails have information boards set into concrete mini cairns along the river. One of the boards about a meter from the stairs has the stairs featured, along with other historical facts and the wild life which can be viewed from the stairs and the paths.
TCDT and the Friends of Jacobs Ladder have been working with Aberdeen City Council to develop technical plans for the redevelopment of this heritage landscape. These plans now created by Fairhurst Consulting Engineers will see the 1921 stairs restored, underpinned and safely lit, allowing them to reopen to the public and to encourage safe foot traffic in the area.
