Sgurr nan Gillean access bridge open

As reported on Walkhighlands in March, a new bridge is now in place on the main path to Sgurr nan Gillean from Sligachan on Skye. The new bridge has just had its official handover and provides a vital replacement for the old bridge which crumbled and was washed away in 2008.

Skye Mountain Rescue Team and others had expressed concern that walkers and climbers would be put in danger as wading the burn can be very hazardous in certain conditions. A long period of negotiation then ensued as the landowners, MacLeod Estates were worried about their ongoing liability if they replaced the bridge, they also did not have a use for the bridge themselves and were relunctant therefore to put up the necessary money.

After much hard work by Donald Kennedy, Highland Council’s Access Officer, and others, the Territorial Army agreed to build the new bridge. Funds were provided by Scottish Natural Heritage, MacLeod Estates, Sconser Community Council, and individual local mountain guides who dipped generously into their own pockets to help out. The bridge is in the same location as the old one and should provide safe access for many years.