Highland Council’s new Naver Bridge development brought a welcome spin off for the local community recently.
Contractors Wills Bros Civil Engineering (WBCEL), who are completing the works on behalf of The Highland Council, aided with the installation of a new footbridge to Farr Beach, a project that was led by the Bettyhill, Altnahara and Strathnaver Community Council.
The Community Council had obtained funding from a variety of sources for a new footbridge, and WBCEL stepped in to provide labour and equipment to assist with the removal of the old structure and disposal of materials.
WBCEL then assembled and installed the new bridge onto the existing support structures.
The Community Council led the adjacent fence tie-in works and restoration of the path at each end.
The new Naver Bridge, located near Bettyhill along the A836, opened to traffic at the end of February. The works are due to be completed this summer.
The project, which began in 2024, has replaced the aged single track wrought iron plate girder bridge over the River Naver, marking a major north coast project which demonstrates Highland Council’s commitment to improving infrastructure in rural areas.
Highland Council’s Sutherland Committee has welcomed progress on both the road and footbridge.
It’s vice chair, North West and Central Sutherland member Hugh Morrison, said: “The footbridge will be a great local asset, and The Highland Council is very appreciative of the efforts of the local community council, and WBCEL to bring this project to a conclusion. It highlights the real value of working together in local co-operation.
“It is also great to see the Naver Bridge route open for traffic and thanks go to contractors and our council staff for all their work to date on this key infrastructure development.”