"Boost" for Moray as new East Beach bridge is officially open
Safe access from Lossiemouth's esplanade has been restored after the previous bridge was closed due to safety concerns
A new footbridge connecting a popular Moray beach has officially opened.
The East Beach in Lossiemouth has been without a crossing since 2019, after the previous footbridge was closed due to safety concerns.
However, following a ÂŁ1.8 million pound investment from the Scottish Government a new bridge has been built to allow safe access once again.
Community spirit
Around 100 people gathered on the Esplanade to see the event , which saw a local pipe band play people over the new bridge.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands Mairi Gougeon MSP cut the ribbon after speeches from herself, Convener of Moray Council Cllr Marc Macrae, Chair of the Lossiemouth Community Development Trust Alan McDonald and Managing Director of Beaver Bridges Pete Dalzell.
Speaking at event, Ms Gougeon said: "What’s been really clear from today is the drive from the community, all the different community organisations and also how important that partnership work has been in collaboration with the Council, with Government and with Beaver Bridges.
“It’s just fantastic to see all that happen."
Ms Gougeon also outlined how impressed she was to see the project progress during the pandemic.
She added: "That was when more people were looking to access their outdoor spaces, get out and about more and obviously the community here didn’t have that same access.
“But I think what is good as well is that it didn’t necessarily stop the work going on, in terms of the bridge construction.
“It’s just fantastic to see that the work was able to continue throughout that period of time and be completed."
Boost for local businesses
The old bridge has now deteriorated further and is due to be removed in the coming weeks, with details to be finalised.
The new bridge is located where an original bridge was situated prior to the 1919 construction of the old wooden structure.
Moray Council has formally taken ownership of the new bridge to Lossiemouth’s East Beach, following support from Lossiemouth Community Development Trust and Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) for the feasibility study.
Speaking at the opening of the bridge Cllr Marc Macrae, said: "I know how excited locals and visitors alike are at regaining access to the East Beach and I look forward to seeing everyone enjoying it this summer.
"The hard work that has gone in to getting this bridge designed, constructed and open and access to the East Beach restored in less than three years is extraordinary.
"My gratitude especially goes to Lossiemouth Community Development Trust, the Council’s own engineering and consultancy team for managing the project, The Scottish Government and, of course, the wider Lossie community.
"Lossiemouth has a great atmosphere, particularly in summer, and direct access to the beach from the Esplanade will be a boost for local businesses coming into the busy holiday season."