A historic Dundee bridge believed to be the oldest of its kind in Scotland has been officially reopened after a £400,000 facelift.
The iron Linlathen East Bridge over the Dighty Burn north of Broughty Ferry is understood to have been built in 1796.
It has been undergoing major refurbishment work for almost a year. The refurbishment of the A-listed bridge was granted consent subject to conditions on the methods and materials used.
For almost a century it had been left without maintenance, falling victim to the elements and vandalism to the extent it was described by experts as in a ”terminal condition”.
Developer Miller Homes pledged to revitalise the bridge as part of its development of 39 houses in the area now known as Ferryfields and agreed to pay the £400,000 cost.
Will Dawson, Dundee City Council’s city development convener, said: ”I am delighted to see this community landmark brought back to pristine condition. The skill of the craftsmen and conservation professionals who were involved in this project shines through in the level of fit, finish and detail on this structure.”
Contractor Land & Building Services removed the old timber deck and replaced missing stonework in the abutments.
Repairs and restoration works to iron parapets and the iron structure itself were carried out where needed with minimum intervention, before painting and the installation of a new deck.
The works also included regrading the approach path.