The Skye Bridge is a road bridge over Loch Alsh, which connects mainland Scotland to the Isle of Skye. The bridge was the scene of controversy over the fees charged to use it
The UK is home to some of the world’s most impressive bridges, with iconic structures such as Scotland’s Queensferry Crossing, and the Humber and Tyne bridges. With a total of 3,680 bridges, they provide vital links between regions and cities across the country. Scotland alone boasts 577 bridges, one of which sparked public outrage due to the toll fees charged for its use.
This bridge quickly earned the title of the world’s most expensive, until the charges were eventually abolished. The Skye Bridge, which opened to the public on October 16, 1995, connects the island to the mainland, reports the Express.
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Construction began in 1992, led by Scottish company Miller, but the design was the work of German engineering firm DYWIDAG Systems International, in partnership with civil engineering company Arup.
The main structure is a concrete arch, supported by two piers, linking Skye to the small island of Eilean Bàn, with the remainder of the bridge extending level to the mainland.
Spanning a total distance of 1.5 miles, the main arch stands approximately 35m high, allowing a clearance of 30m for boats at high tide. The bridge offered a faster and more efficient route for locals to reach the mainland.
Before its construction, which cost an estimated £28 million, residents faced lengthy queues during the summer months for the ferry from Kyle of Lochalsh to Kyleakin on the Isle of Skye.
The decision to impose a toll for crossing the Skye Bridge, which escalated from a mere 40p to an eye-watering £11.40, sparked outrage among the public, earning it the title of Europe’s priciest bridge.
Locals often quipped: “The Skye Bridge – the only place in the world where you get mugged AND get a receipt!” Skye and Lochalsh residents didn’t take long to rally together, forming the protest group Skye Bridge Against Tolls or SKAT.
After relentless campaigning, the authorities finally caved to the pressure, scrapping the tolls on 21 December 2004.
Protesters alleged that the firm running the bridge had raked in over £33 million from tolls, dwarfing the bridge’s operational costs pegged at £3.5 million.