The 20-arch Big Water of Fleet viaduct was strengthened with bricks and old rail in 1940. During the Second World War, the port of Cairnryan was purpose built as No.2 Military Port with three harbour piers and a railway linking it with Stranraer. Millions of tonnes of ordnance and supplies came into the UK, much of it being transported over Big Water. Then, in 1943, US troops arrived.

Its smaller 9-arch sister - Little Water of Fleet viaduct - was blown up by the Army as part of a training exercise. In 1935, Big reputedly starred in Alfred Hitchcock's film version of John Buchan's thriller 'The 39 Steps'. It also made an appearance in 'Five Red Herrings', a 1975 TV outing for Lord Peter Wimsey. Eventually it's hoped the viaduct will play host to a footpath.

(Many thanks to Michael King for much of the above information)