In a heartwarming display of community effort, the small rural village of Tarbet has come together to repair their beloved “Faerie Bridge”. The bridge, which serves as a vital link for locals to access the nearby school, shop, post office and bus stops, was badly damaged by a falling tree during the recent storms.
Thanks to the combined efforts of local volunteers and the Dr Hannah Stirling Loch Lomond Trust, the bridge is set to be replaced this spring. The Friends of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs, a local conservation group, will oversee the construction work and act as the funding broker.
Duncan MacLachlan, a Tarbet resident and trustee of the Friends’ Trust, expressed his gratitude for the community’s efforts, stating, “This has been a great example of what a small rural community can accomplish when people work together.”
The original bridge was constructed by families in the upper Tighloan area, but fell into disrepair over time. In 2005, it was fully reconstructed by a Training Support Squadron of Sappers from the Royal Engineers in response to a request from a Services Veteran. More recently, the bridge’s decking and handrails were replaced due to rotting, but the recent storms have proven to be a blessing in disguise as they allowed for the removal of dangerous trees and the complete replacement of the old all-timber bridge.
Local volunteers, led by Ian and Kenny Kay, have been working on clearing trees in preparation for the dismantling of the old bridge and the reconstruction of the new structure, which is set to begin in the next month or two. Experienced contractor David McKenzie, based in Gartocharn, will be responsible for the bridge reconstruction.
The new bridge is expected to be much stronger and more modern, with steel joists providing additional support. The community of Tarbet eagerly awaits the completion of this project, which will not only provide safe access for locals but also serve as a symbol of their strong community spirit.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.