The Scalpay Bridge
Scalpay is an island and will remain an island even though it is now linked to the Isle of Harris by a bridge.Prior to the Scalpay bridge to travel from Scalpay to Harris use of a ferry was required. Unfortunately, when the weather was bad, the ferry could not run. Also in the winter the last ferry was 6.30 pm, if you missed this you were stuck. It was possible to order a special ferry which cost around £120, so it was alot cheaper to arrang for an evenings bed and breakfast.
Although the ferry caused problems, it di have it's advantages. The hourly service enabled Scalpay's inhabitants to judge when visitors would arrive. There were the obvious security advantages and news would certainly travel fast if the police, ambulance etc. had come across on the ferry. It took many years of planning and raising of funds but eventually the bridge was built. The multi million pound project received much media attention and the bridge was officially opened by P.M. Tony Blair.
Newspaper articles submitted by visitor.
Images of the Construction of the Scalpay Bridge
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Photograph showing the old ferry passing the bridge (click to enlarge).
