In Moray, bridges would be washed away so often, folk used stilts as a reliable way to cross rivers. On Sundays in Kirkmichael parish in 1807, almost 600 people “stilted” the Avon to get to church. Even after good bridges were built, many “wad raither stilt”.
Hall, J. (1807) Travels in Scotland, by an Unusual Route. Vol. 2. J. Johnson, London. 622 pp.