The new £3.1 million Bernera Bridge was officially opened today by Bernera resident Catherine Macaulay, the widow of former Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Convener, Rev Donald Macaulay.
Comhairle convenor Norman Macdonald made a speech at the ceremony while Rev Hugh Stewart - whose grandfather attended a similar event at the opening of the original link - delivered a prayer.
The old bridge which opened in 1953 was closed to vehicles over 7.5 tonnes in August 2020.
The replacement steel trussed bridge structure is being provided by Mabey Bridge. The structure sits on concrete abutments which are part of the civil engineering works undertaken by Breedon Hebrides.
Funding for the new bridge came from the Comhairle and the Scottish Government’s Local Bridge Maintenance Fund.
Comhairle Convener Norman A Macdonald said: “It is very satisfying to see this new infrastructure being formally opened. The Comhairle would like to thank the residents of Bernera for their patience, and all those who helped to maintain essential services to the Island during the period of restricted access. Thanks are also due to the Comhairle team who helped bring this about and to the Scottish Government for their assistance with funding”.
New £3 million Bernera Bridge is opened
15 December 2021
Catherine Macaulay is flanked by Neil James Macaulay, husband of community stalwart Joan Macaulay who died recently, and comhairle convenor Norman Macdonald.
Angus Gillies, comhairle bridge engineer, checks the new structure
The new bridge runs beside the old structure