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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
.jpg)
Photograph
showing the old ferry passing the bridge (click to enlarge).
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