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 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.
Although the Council hold the deeds to the stairs, they claim an alternative route is available and that they cannot dedicate adequate funds to have them repaired. As explained above, this is unsatisfactory and will mean a loss of the heritage the stairs hold. We have been trying since 2016 to have the Council renovate the stairs but they have only now agreed that if we raise the full amount of the renovation, they will have the work carried out. So far we have secured a Common Good Fund grant and had a full structural survey carried out to cost this work.
We continue to apply for funding but this is challenging due to the stairs technically being owned by the Council. It therefore is our intention to work in partnership with the Council through the renovation stage and then in keeping them open and safe in future. Alongside funds from grant providers, we welcome any donations that individuals, groups or businesses can offer us. We can then use these funds to demonstrate public support for our aims and to ask funders to ‘match fund’ this income.