Bridge would cement relations

DUP Leader Arlene Foster called for a bridge to be built between Scotland and Northern Ireland when she attended an Orange Order march in Cowdenbeath.

It would cement the relationship between the two countries as well as boosting the economies of both, post Brexit, she added.

Metaphorical bridge building was also on the politicians’s mind as she pleaded for a country free from intolerance and hatred.

She told the thousands taking part that bigotry should not be a part of anyone’s mindset.

“Let’s all be bridge builders,” she urged those at the County Grand Lodge of the East of Scotland gathering.

Having travelled to Scotland by air, she said in future she hoped to be able to drive.

Three years ago the DUP proposed a feasibility study into building a bridge to Scotland.

She said the idea was mocked, by those without vision, but today there is growing support.

“The connection between our two countries has always been special.

“What better way to cement that relationship than through a bridge?

“I want to see the Orange Institution here in Scotland get behind this campaign.”

She said among the “nasty and abusive comments” about the Orange Order “wouldn’t it be great to become an actual bridge builder between Northern Ireland and Scotland”.

“Not only would a bridge be a symbolic linkage, it would also be a tremendous boost to the economies of the areas at both sides of the bridge.

“While some foolishly attempt to use Brexit to build a border between Scotland and Northern Ireland, we are more progressive.”