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Kilbraur suspension bridge closure sparks call for community group to be formed to work towards replacement structure


By Caroline McMorran

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A MOVE is afoot to form a community group to take on a project to replace a half-century-old suspension bridge across the River Brora.

Access to the footbridge at Kilbraur, Strath Brora, is currently barred because of fears over its safety.

A barrier blocks the steps to the suspension bridge but they have since been taken away.
A barrier blocks the steps to the suspension bridge but they have since been taken away.

The swing bridge is part of a core circular footpath running on either side of Loch Brora from the outskirts of the village and back, although some sections are difficult to negotiate.

Brora Community Council has been asking local people for their views to gauge whether there is any interest in replacing the bridge.

The latest post on its social media page invites anyone interested to come forward to be part of a community initiative to retain a bridge on the site. Around half a dozen people who are “keen to get things done” are required.

At last month’s community council meeting, secretary Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera said: “Nobody really knows who owns the bridge but it goes from Gordonbush Estate land to Sutherland Estate land.

“It was Gordonbush Estate that took the steps away. It is directly opposite me and I contacted the estate and the estate then told me what had been done, the reason being it is unsafe.”

"I spoke with the factor and his opinion is that they could just move the core path further west, using a sheep stock club path."

Mr Uduwerage-Perera said he had opened up discussions with Highland Council and Brora and District Action Group (BaDAG).

“It simply requires a community group to come together. Rogart has done a similar project in their area so there is already a template to work to. I would be looking to replacing the bridge and it would be a community asset,” he said.

Social media users have suggested that wind power companies should fund a new bridge.

The access road for Gordonbush Wind Farm, operated by SSE Renewables, is close to the bridge site and also not far away is the Kilbraur Wind Farm, run by Falck Renewables.

Brora resident Alistair Risk posted: “Please explore any potential funding and reopen this bridge so that folk can enjoy the superb walk.”


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