Communities from across North Glasgow gathered at Stockingfield Bridge last night to take part in a lighting spectacle for the official opening of the £14 million active travel bridge, built over the Forth & Clyde Canal. It opened to users for the first time earlier this month and will reconnect three communities, Ruchill, Maryhill and Gilshochill, for the first time since 1790.
Residents and active travellers took to the canal’s towpath, carrying lanterns, to mark the moment the new destination officially opened.
The event saw people arrive by bike, boot and boat to the steel structure where for the first time the Stockingfield Spire was lit, visible from across Glasgow’s skyline.
A procession, led by Glasgow-based art group, Carnival Arts, took place from four separate meeting point before they made their way onto the bridge.
Throughout the evening was music, a light show and those in attendance were entertained by fire and aerial performers.
Scottish Canals, Chief Operating Officer, Richard Millar said: “Fourteen years after we first developed the concept with the local community, we were delighted to be able to open this amazing new bridge to the public.
“We are excited to bring these communities together next month and celebrate what promises to be another historic moment in the history of Scottish Canals.”
Minister for Active Travel Partick Harvie said: “The opening of the Stockingfield Bridge is a landmark moment. Not only in reconnecting communities across the north of Glasgow – but as a signal of the heightened ambitions Scotland now has to build an active nation and make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle.
“For most, it makes it easier to get around their community for those shorter day to day journeys, but it’s also really significant that we now have an uninterrupted active travel route from Bowling all the way to Edinburgh for people to enjoy.
“The Scottish Government has provided over £13 million to deliver the project here at Stockingfield and I’m enthusiastic about similar transformation in communities across the country. That’s why the Scottish Government has now committed to investing at least £320 million, or 10% of the total transport budget on active travel by 2024-25. Through this record investment, we’ll help build a more active nation, where more people enjoy greater opportunities to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys.”
Julie Murray, Director of Carnival Arts said: “We are delighted to join with Scottish Canals to help shine a light on Stockingfield Bridge. We already have a number of community groups who can’t wait to get involved in what’s going to be an amazing community celebration.”
Anyone interested in attending the event are encouraged to bring their own lantern/light and travel to the area by boot or bike.
Nine new community influenced artworks are being installed on site, from a 121-metre mythical serpent called a Beithir in Gaelic folklore, to interpretation boards exploring the area’s past and present.
