First Minister refuses to offer financial help to replace Kirkcudbright bridge
Local MSP reached out in a letter seeking support.
Last updated 2nd Apr 2025
The First Minister is being slammed for letting Kirkcudbright down after refusing to offer any financial support to replace the town’s bridge.
It has now been shut off to all vehicles for the last week after the council pulled an emergency closure.
Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson wrote to the Scottish Government pleading for help by highlighting the urgency for a replacement crossing which has been causing disruption for the community and emergency services.
Following a response from John Swinney which stated that there would be no funding provided, he said this is a huge letdown for everyone.
“Given the dire circumstances, I am appalled that the Scottish Government has chosen to abandon our community by refusing to assist in funding a replacement bridge.
“The First Minister's claim of delivering a record settlement to Scottish local authorities is a blatant misrepresentation of the truth.
“The harsh reality is that the SNP Government has systematically drained councils of resources, jeopardizing essential services and jobs with their unrealistic budgets.
“John Swinney's decision to walk away without offering any constructive help or financial assistance is not only incomprehensible but utterly unacceptable.
“Replacing the concrete bridge will cost millions, and the local authority is already struggling to find the necessary resources amidst rising costs.”
First Minister responds
In Swinney’s refusal letter, he acknowledged the “frustration” and “inconvenience” the no access has caused lately.
“I understand that Kirkcudbright Bridge has been closed to all vehicles in the interest of public safety and to protect the structural integrity of this important local authority-managed crossing, while the local council agrees on the next steps for the long term.
“With the diversion in place, Transport Scotland’s Operating Company, Amey, will continue to provide assistance on enhanced diversion signing via the A75.”
Having ruled out financial help, he continued: “Having delivered a record Local Government Settlement of over £15 billion in the Scottish Budget 2025-26, we have ensured that our partners in local government have a fair funding settlement to support them in managing their local road and bridge assets.
“The Scottish Government’s policy towards local authorities’ spending is to allow local authorities the financial freedom to operate independently.
“It is the responsibility of individual local authorities to manage their own budgets and allocate resources, including prioritizing bridge repairs and maintenance based on local needs and priorities.
“To this end, I am reassured to note that Dumfries and Galloway Council’s website states that the Kirkcudbright Bridge project is included within the council’s capital investment programme for the financial year 2025/26.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council has issued an update on the closure here.
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