Scalpay Bridge

Photograph by Malcolm Roderick

Follow this link for further information on the building of the bridge to Scalpay.

Printed below is the Programme of events for the official opening ceremony.

Bridging The Gap To Scalpay A bridge linking the islands of Harris and Scalpay which would improve economic development and social access was one of the key tasks identified by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar at the start of the local authority's current term of office. With the welcome assistance of a 65% grant from the European Union through the Objective One Programme, the islands' authority was able to proceed with the ambitious transport objective they had set themselves to construct the 300m bridge to Scalpay which will carry road and pedestrian traffic together with the water supply for the island. In December 1997, Scalpay's oldest resident, Mrs Kirsty Morrison (103), led the way for the first drive across the bridge. The dream had become a reality as the islands were finally linked. The way was then clear for work to be completed for the grand opening taking place today. For the opening of such a major project it is an honour for the Western Isles to welcome the first ever official visit to the islands by a serving Prime Minister - the Right Honourable Tony Blair M.P.

Tarsainn a’ Chaolais gu Scalpaigh Ann an 1992, nuair a thanaig a’ Chomhairle ghnàthaichte gu oifis chuir iad rompa mar phrìomh amas drochaid a thogail a cheangaladh Scalpaigh ri tìr-mòr na Hearadh. Bha seo gu pìseach a thoirt air leasachadh eaconomaiceach agus cothroman soisealta do mhuinntir Scalpaigh. Chuireadh mòr mheas air tabhartas de 65% bhon Aonadh Eòrpach tro Phrogram Ire 1 agus thug sin an cothrom don Ughdarras Ionadail tòiseachadh air a’ phròiseact chudthromach gu drochaid 300m a thogail gu carbadan agus luchd-siubhail a ghiulain agus airson siostam ùr uisge a thoirt chun eilein. Anns an Dubhlachd 1997, chaidh a’ Bh-ph Ciorstaidh Mhoireasdan, an neach as sine ann an Scalpaigh (103), tarsainn an drochaid anns a’ chiad charbad. Mu dheireadh bha na h-Eilean ceangailte. Cha robh an uairsin ach an obair a’chrìochnachadh agus cùisean ullachadh mu choinneimh an fhosgladh fhoirmeil air a bheil sibhse an diugh mar fhianaisean. Ann a bhith a’ fosgladh pròiseact den mheud seo tha sinn moiteil fàilte a chuir air a’ chiad turas oifigeil gu na h-Eileanan le Prìomhair ann an oifis - an Fhior Urr Tony Blair, BP.

Opening Of Scalpay Bridge By The Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Tony Blair M.P. 10.15am Arrival Of Official Helicopter and Introductions by The Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Mr. Donald M Mackay 10.20am Welcome By Convener 10.25am Prayer Of Dedication By Rev. Norman Maciver 10.27am Presentation By Convener 10.30am Address By The Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Tony Blair M.P. Unveiling Of Plaque and Cutting Of Ribbon Official Party Walks Across Bridge

Fosgladh Drochaid Scalpaigh leis a’ Phrìomhair, an Fhior Urramach Tony Blair BP 10.15m Heileacoptair Oifigeil a’ ruighinn agus Fàilte le Ceann-suidhe Chomhairle nan Eilean Siar, Mgr Domhnall M MacAoidh 10.20m Fàilte leis a’ Cheann-suidhe 10.25m Urnaigh leis an Urr Tormod MacIomhair 10.27m Oraid bhon Cheann-suidhe 10.30m Oraid leis a’ Phrìomhaire, an Fhior Urr Tony Blair, BP Foillseachadh Clàr agus Gearradh Ribean Buidheann Oifigeil a’ coiseachd tarsainn an Drochaid