A last-minute schedule change meant that a river crossing built to replace a listed historic bridge in Scotland was opened the day before the date on the commemorative plaque.
The plaque on Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge was prepared with the date 6 October 2023; but King Charles opened it on Thursday 5 October. Aberdeenshire Council has confirmed that it won’t replace the plaque.
Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge lies parallel to the stone Gairnshiel Bridge, which was built in 1749 and is not suitable for modern traffic. Its narrow width and tricky approach meant it was often closed by strikes, requiring long detours. With the support of Sustrans it has been converted to a pedestrian and cycling bridge.
The new Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge has two lanes and is designed with river flood levels in mind. It has a steel structure, with the beam exposed, and granite parapets and embankments. Its sculptural form is intended to compliment the landscape and the old bridge. It cost US$4.7 million.
The contractor is Glasgow-based Arcadis and the architect is Moxon.
