Scottish Government announces £1.8m to replace Lossiemouth’s East Beach footbridge
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THE Scottish Government has announced £1.8 million funding to replace Lossiemouth’s East Beach footbridge.
Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing confirmed the funding, saying the loss of the crossing had taken its toll on the local community.
The bridge was closed off to the public by Moray Council in summer 2019 when structural engineers deemed it to be unsafe.
The failure of a central span left no direct crossing from the town to the sands.
In September 2019 the Scottish Government committed to provide best-value funding for repairs or replacement.
And last year the council, which is leading the project, appointed Shrewsbury-based Beaver Bridges to design replacement options. The bulk of this process was paid for with funds raised by Lossiemouth Community Development Trust (LCDT).
This month Moray Council held a virtual exhibition showing the journey so far to replace the footbridge, outlining six options.
The feedback was used to support the business case submitted to the Scottish Government to allow work to progress to phase two – design and build.
Mr Ewing said: "The Moray coast has long been a popular destination for visitors and I know the loss of the Lossiemouth East Bridge has taken its toll on the local community.
"Our £1.8 million funding for the replacement of the bridge will ensure locals and tourists alike can safely access and enjoy the beach once again.
"I know this news will be welcome for businesses too, who have suffered as a result of the bridge closure."
The government said the work was expected to start in autumn and be complete by the end of the year.
Moray's MSP Richard Lochhead said: "I’m absolutely delighted that the Scottish Government has now confirmed substantial funding for the new bridge at the East Beach after, in my role as local MSP, I took the community’s case to ministers when it became clear the current bridge was no longer viable.
"Not only is this a huge step forward in reinstating access, but it is also real recognition of the key role of the bridge to the community.
"I know that the closure of the footbridge has had a significant impact on Lossiemouth’s economy and on local businesses, so I couldn’t be happier that the Scottish Government is coming to the rescue."
Rab Forbes, a member of LCDT, said: "We're absolutely delighted.
"The campaign has been running for literally decades to try to get the bridge repaired or replaced.
"The LCDT took up the baton five years ago, and has been campaigning since, initially to get access to the beach, then lobbied to get access to the beach by a new bridge."
The original bridge linking the town to the East Beach was built in 1906 by Lossiemouth Town Council. In 1918 the bridge was relocated to its current position by the Old Harbour Commission to make it easier for boats to come in and out of the old harbour.
