Skye Bridge, Scotland
The Skye Bridge was opened to traffic in 1995 and connects the Isle of Skye with the mainland of Scotland at Kyle of Lochalsh where the channel between is only a few hundred meters.
The Skye Bridge connects the mainland of Scotland with Skye
The idea of a bridge had been around since the railway arrived at Kyle of Lochalsh in the late 19th century, but was deemed too costly.
However, by the 1970’s the amount of traffic trying to cross using the short ferry ride operated by two 28-car ferries had increased so much that the bridge was planned.
Design
The bridge is a concrete box girder type with a total length of 500 meters and a central span of 250 meters. The center of the bridge has a clearance above the water of 35 meters. The bridge makes use of the island of Eilean Bàn as a stepping stone.
The bridge carries the A87 with intercity buses connecting Portree on Skye with Inverness and Fort William. These buses also stop at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle nearby.
Kyle of Lochalsh is the terminal of the Kyle of Lochalsh Railway Line which connects to Inverness Station in Inverness.
The bridge replaced the ferry service
Toll Protest
Upon opening the expensive tolls were a focus of protests by local people who often refused to pay them and claimed the toll made the road the most expensive in Europe. Around 500 people were charged with non-payment and 130 people convicted.
The tolls finally ceased when in 2004 the Scottish government bought out the bridge from the private contractors.
The bridge is now the main access point for travelers to Skye
Access – Getting There
The bridge is the main access point for travelers to Skye, though many still prefer to cross on the Mallaig Ferry from Mallaig as this is a shorter distance from points south.
The A87 runs from Invergarry and the junction with the A82 and then on to Kyleakin, Broadford, Portree, and Uig on Skye.
The Kyle of Lochalsh is now home to various places to stay. These include the three-star Tingle Creek Hotel, the Kyle Hotel, also three-star and the Balmacara Hotel, yet another three-star property with on-site pub, and free private parking.
Furthermore, see here for a complete listing of accommodation options on and around the Isle of Skye.
Map showing Fort William and the Scottish Highlands region
Scotland Related
Upon opening the expensive tolls were a focus of protests by local people
The elegant curve of the bridge
Map of the Isle of Skye in Scotland
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