MSP Alasdair welcomes the bridge funding announcement from the Scottish Government.

Fuller details of the funding is to be announced, including more information on how the funding package will be distributed for local projects.

The Cabinet Secretary indicated in the Scottish Parliament this week that it was intended to help rebuild and maintain key lifeline bridges – such as the one that connects to the island of Bernera.

This funding would help meet a need identified by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and raised by Islands MSP Alasdair Allan with the Scottish Government on a number of occasions following the closure of the old bridge.

Alasdair commented: “This is very welcome news indeed as Bernera residents are currently facing an untenable situation due to the age and condition of the current lifeline bridge which connects their island to Lewis. I trust that this news will now give them renewed hope that a solution could be on the horizon sooner rather than later.

“Comhairle nan Eilean Siar were clear that they required extra funding to rebuild the bridge and this was an argument which I have raised with the Cabinet Secretary in recent weeks.

“I am glad that Kate Forbes has recognised the need for this funding to be made available and that she has responded so promptly to the cause.

"I look forward to finding out the full details of the funding on offer and how it will be distributed, and to seeing the Comhairle’s plans for a replacement bridge progress as quickly as possible.”