Building bridges
MEMORIES were revived as a new bridge opened in Lochgair.
RESIDENTS of Lochgair will be able to safely cross the Eas Dubh burn once again after the opening of a new bridge.
With the help of funding from the A Chruach Community Fund, the Lochgair Association has managed to fully rejuvenate a footbridge crossing a burn running through the heart of the village.
The association opened the bridge in an official ceremony on Saturday May 13 to herald a new era of access in Lochgair’s history.
Fraser Bell gave a fitting tribute to his grandfather, who built the original bridge more than 60 years ago, recounting the history of the village and its association with the Eas Dubh burn.
With the assistance of piper Christopher McCartan, Fraser cut the ceremonial red ribbon and declared the new bridge officially open to a gathering of Lochgair locals.
Jean McCartan, of the Lochgair Association, said: ‘Everyone in the village is relieved to be safely connected to the other side of the burn again. We’re very pleased to have got the funding as work was badly needed.’
The project was completed by DE Hunter and builder Sean Campbell is pleased with the outcome. Sean said: ‘It was a tired old bridge and not fit for purpose. The bridge is now completely safe and allows access for wheelchairs and anyone with disabilities who needs assistance when walking. It’s good to be reconnected with the other side.’
The Lochgair Association was awarded £12,500 from the A Chruach Community Fund for the bridge restoration project and would like to thank everyone involved in the funding and construction processes.