Home / Environment / Borders Bridge Saved: £250k Grant for Historic Restoration
Borders Bridge Saved: £250k Grant for Historic Restoration
14 Mar
Summary
- A historic bridge over the River Teviot secured £250,000 for restoration.
- The Kalemouth Suspension Bridge, built around 1835, closed to vehicles in 2020.
- Funding will replace timber, refurbish ironwork, and maintain pedestrian/cyclist access.
The Kalemouth Suspension Bridge, a historic structure over the River Teviot in the Borders, has received a significant £250,000 boost for its restoration. Built around 1835 by Capt Samuel Brown, the bridge was closed to vehicles in August 2020 due to substantial decay in its timber deck. The bridge, a Category A-listed structure, was deemed no longer strong enough for vehicle weight.
Scottish Borders Council successfully secured funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the project. This funding will facilitate the replacement of timber work and deck bracing, alongside refurbishing the ironwork and masonry. The aim is to maintain the bridge as a vital crossing for cyclists and pedestrians, preserving its heritage significance.
Caroline Clark of The National Lottery Heritage Fund highlighted the bridge as a magnificent piece of engineering and an important landmark. The investment will support essential restoration and new interpretation panels to share the bridge's story. Councillor John Greenwell described the funding as an "exciting step" towards safeguarding the bridge's future.
