WALKERS on one of Scotland’s ‘great trails’ now have safe passage over a troublesome burn near Arrochar thanks to the completion of a long-awaited bridge.
More than 50 people attended the official opening ceremony on Monday of the new crossing over the Tighness burn, which forms part of the Three Lochs Way long distance route.
The bulk of the funds for the construction project, which began last year, was provided by NatureScot, with significant contributions also coming from landowners Luss Estates, the Hannah Stirling Loch Lomond Charitable Trust, and Helensburgh and District Access Trust (HADAT), the charity which conceived of and now manages the Three Lochs Way.
HADAT convener John Urquhart said: “We have always recommended walkers to ford the burn, but some were using a nearby, but far from ideal, water main support gantry to cross, so providing a proper bridge had been a priority for many years.
“The bridge was completed earlier this year by contractor Robert McKendry who worked entirely on his own throughout the Covid restrictions.
“Given the difficulty and remoteness of the site, the completion of such a demanding project by one man is a truly remarkable achievement.”
The bridge was designed by engineer Geoff Freedman, who was unable to attend Monday’s opening ceremony, while the ribbon cutting was a double act carried out by NatureScot chair, Dr Mike Cantlay and Sir Malcolm Colquhoun of Luss Estates.
READ MORE: Helensburgh-Dumbarton cycle path scheme 'becoming a total farce' - provost
Dr Cantlay told the gathering that this was the second time he had cut a ribbon on the Three Lochs Way, the last time being more than a decade ago when as chair of the tourism body, VisitScotland, he had come to Glen Fruin to open the then newly established Highlandman’s Road section of the route.
“Since then I am delighted to say that The Three Lochs Way has gone from strength to strength and has been granted Great Trail recognition”, he said.
“The route is now so popular that NatureScot had recently recommended it for post Covid green recovery funding as the surface had been suffering from the passage of so many feet.”
Sir Malcolm said: “With over a third of the route within Luss Estates land we feel a special responsibility for the Three Lochs Way.
“I am also particularly proud of the good relationships which have been built up over the years between the estate and the Access Trust, so when they came to us looking for permission to bridge the burn here we didn’t hesitate to offer our whole hearted support.”
After the ribbon cutting, the contractor, Robert McKendry, unveiled a plaque honouring the funders and naming the structure - to Robert’s surprise - as ‘Robert’s Bridge’ - in recognition of his outstanding work.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here