A campaign has been launched to save the landmark Craigellachie Bridge which is said to require repairs that will cost up to half a million pounds.
The repair bill is one that Moray Council has already said it could not meet – insisting the bridge is in “remarkably good” condition and that repairs are not a priority.
Now a local campaign has been launched in a bid to raise the funding required for repairs to the bridge, which celebrated its 200th anniversary in October last year.
Leading the campaign is the Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, Clare Russell, who said: “We could not let it deteriorate, can you imagine how awful that would be – and it is so iconic, I believe it is one of Telford’s most important and beautiful bridges and it must be saved.”
Speaking on behalf of the ‘Friends of Craigellachie Bridge’, local man Giles Sumner said: “It is a big part of the village and a big part of the community, so it has to be maintained and kept up.”
The group were formed in November at the time of the 200th anniversary celebrations and pledged to work with statutory bodies to ensure that the bridge was “maintained and preserved for future generations to enjoy”.
Campaigners have launched a social media page on Facebook in support of their campaign.