Controversial bridge given historic status
Officer to face trial accused of lying
A HISTORIC Glasgow bridge has been recognised for its special architectural interest.
The Kingston Bridge has been given category C status by Historic Environment Scotland to mark its 50th year spanning the River Clyde.
Through listing, the bridge has been recognised as a significant – albeit controversial – infrastructure project which transformed the city of Glasgow.
The bridge was given its new status following a consultation by HES earlier this year, and was originally considered for Category B.
Elizabeth McCrone, head of designations at HES, said: “What became clear through the consultation is that people feel very strongly about the decision to list the Kingston Bridge.
“Listing is a way of recognising buildings and structures that create Scotland’s distinctive character, and through which we can discover more about the stories of our past.”
Today, the Kingston Bridge is the most used road bridge in Scotland and among the busiest in Europe, being used daily by between 150,000 and 160,000 vehicles.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “The Kingston Bridge has become an iconic landmark in Glasgow, so I’m pleased to see its 50 years of operation being recognised in this way.”
A POLICE officer will stand trial next year accused of injuring a motorcyclist and lying to his sergeant about the circumstances.
Colin McLaren, 28, allegedly drove a police van dangerously on Glasgow’s Govan Road on September 5, 2019.
Prosecutors claim the officer drove the vehicle on the wrong side of the road into the path of biker Daniel Harley.
The charge further states that both vehicles were damaged in the collision and Mr Harley was injured. McLaren’s second charge alleges that he provided false information to police constable Alan Walker, police sergeant James Wilson and a Cameron Ross.
The charge states that McLaren claimed Mr Harley had been driving the motorbike without headlights. McLaren then allegedly stated that he activated blue lights on the police van to alert Mr Harley to his presence.
He then claimed to have swerved onto the wrong side of the road to avoid colliding with Mr Harley.
The charge states McLaren did this with “the intent to pervert the course of justice and did attempt to pervert the course of justice.”
The case, due to call at Glasgow Sheriff Court, was dealt with administratively.
A not guilty plea was also tendered administratively to the two charges.