Around 50 classic cars will travel over a historic community-owned Highland Perthshire bridge this weekend.
The Logierait bridge, which used to carry the Ballinluig to Aberfeldy rail line, will be the setting on Sunday for around 50 cars taking part in the Saltire Classic Car rally.
The former rail bridge closed on May 1 1965 as a result of the infamous Beeching cuts but became community-owned in 2000 at a cost of around £400,000, and has survived thanks to generous subscriptions from various people and businesses.
It’s understood to be Scotland’s only former rail bridge that is community-owned.
Last year, the bridge saw classic cars from the Scottish Malts Trial and Tour rally travel over it.
Sunday’s rally will start and finish at the Blair Atholl distillery in Pitlochry.
John Fry, of the Logierait Bridge committee, said the various car event organisers favour using the bridge due to its historical significance.
“The bridge is historic and so are these cars that travel over it,” he said.
“We had the Scottish Malts Trial and Tour rally over here last year and this year we will see the Saltire Classic Car rally, which will be great. We’ll also have the Flying Scotsman Car rally here next month, which will be fantastic.”
And he highlighted the community effort required to maintain the bridge.
“The area suffered a big flood in December 2015 and the approach road to the Logierait Bridge was washed away,” he added.
“It’s cost around £20,000 to fix so that gobbled up a lot of money.
“However, we’re really grateful to all our subscribers and also the assistance we got from Sustrans. They got involved as the bridge is part of Sustrans National Cycle network.”
In 2015, local residents marked the 50th anniversary of the closure of the former rail bridge.
The Tay viaduct passed into the hands of the Kinnaird Estate in 1964. Then, in 1994, the estate gifted it to the local community which founded the Logierait Bridge Company.
