Prince Charles visits repaired Aberdeenshire bridge

Prince Charles was shown the restored bridge by Aberdeenshire Council bridges manager, Donald MacPherson.

PRINCE Charles has visited Cambus O’May suspension bridge to see the ‘significant’ repairs which have been undertaken on the 20th century crossing.

The project, led by Aberdeenshire Council’s bridges section and Mosstodloch-based Moray Blast, first commenced in August 2020.

It comes after the crossing, which was rebuilt in 1988 and opened by Queen Elizabeth, was forced into closure in 2015 after floods from Storm Frank caused ‘severe’ damage.

Shutterstock

The project was temporary halted in January, after Scottish Government advice at the time meant that the contractor couldn’t return to site. However, it was ultimately completed in March.

Prince Charles said, “We are delighted the Cambus O’ May footbridge is at last being reopened after five years of closure due to Storm Frank. Aberdeenshire Council has worked hard to achieve this and the local community has pulled together once again with very generous donations ensuring the bridge will once again be used and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.”

Depute provost of Aberdeenshire, councillor Ron McKail, added, “We were delighted to welcome the Duke of Rothesay to Cambus O’ May where he showed a keen interest in the repairs to get the popular bridge back in operation after Storm Frank. It really has been a major undertaking to repair the bridge and it was fitting that our own bridges manager Donald McPherson and Ian Gordon from contractors Moray Blast could explain firsthand the various processes to His Royal Highness.”

Following the tour of the structure, Prince Charles was presented with a painting of the bridge by talented local artist, Kimberley Smith.