The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Princess reopens queen’s bridge
Royals: The Alexandra crossing in Tain fully refurbished after 2011 safety fears closure
A Highland suspension bridge named after a queen has been reopened by royalty after a major restoration project.
The Alexandra Bridge in Tain has been closed due to safety concerns since 2011.
It was officially reopened yesterday by HRH The Princess Royal as part of a day long visit to the Rossshire town.
The B-listed footbridge over the River Tain was built in 1902 and named after Queen Alexandra, wife of Edward VII.
It has been fully refurbished and renovated after years of falling into disrepair.
Princess Anne was joined at the official reopening by Janet Bowen, the Lord Lieutenant for Ross and Cromarty, as well as local as local councillors and representatives of the area’s community groups.
The bulk of the work was carried out by Glasgowbased specialists Maclean and Spiers – who are also involved in the construction of the new Queensferry Crossing.
However, Alan Crawford from the company said their work in Tain has been “much more interesting”.
He added: “You don’t often get projects like this, normally bridge refurbishments are 30 or 40 years old, not more than 100 years old.
“It’s very unusual and has been very interesting.”
Funding for the project came from a number of sources including Historic Scotland, Tain Community Council and Highland Council.
The work involved the removal and refurbishment of the bridge deck and the restoration of the towers of the structure which was built in 1902. The Princess Royal was accompanied during the event by local councillors Alastair Rhind, Jamie Stone and Fiona Robertson.
Depute leader of the council Mr Rhind said: “It is not a lifeline bridge but it is a great amenity bridge for the community.
“Hundreds of people walk down this area and enjoy the amenity of the area.
“It opens up paths right down to the beach and it’s fantastic to have it officially opened.”
Mr Stone added that his parents had “courted” on the bridge and without it he “probably wouldn’t be here”.
He said: “The point is that the Alexandra Bridge is part of Tain’s history and we’re incredibly fortunate to have it. It was a poor show that it fell in disrepair and now that it has been repaired to such a high standard we shall see a few more generations enjoy it.”
While in Tain Princess Anne also visited the royal burgh’s new health centre where she unveiled a plaque and planted a shrub. She also paid visits to Glasstorm, the town’s Citizen’s Advice Bureau, the Christian Community Action premises and Metalwork UK’s base.
“It is a great amenity bridge for the community”