Wedoany.com Report on Mar 18th, The Scottish Borders Council has recently received a grant of $333,000 (approximately £249,000) to advance the restoration of the Kalemouth Suspension Bridge. This chain-link suspension bridge, with a history of nearly 200 years, has been awaiting funding for repairs since its closure in August 2020 due to structural deterioration. The funding, from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will enable the council to proceed through the detailed planning phase while seeking additional funds to ensure the long-term preservation of this historic structure.

Located four miles south of Kelso and spanning the River Teviot, the Kalemouth Suspension Bridge was designed by Captain Samuel Brown and constructed around 1835. It is a Category A listed building and represents one of the few remaining early examples of wrought iron chain-link suspension bridges in Scotland. Previously open to vehicles, it allowed only single-lane traffic with a weight limit below three tons but was closed in August 2020 due to severe deterioration of its timber decking. The council had previously ruled out the option of restoring vehicle access at a cost of £4 million, deeming such expenditure difficult to justify.

Following restoration, the suspension bridge will continue to serve sustainable modes of transportation such as cycling, walking, and wheelchair access. Caroline Clark, Director of the National Lottery Heritage Fund in Scotland, stated: "The Kalemouth Suspension Bridge is a significant piece of engineering that not only provides a crossing for pedestrians and cyclists but also serves as a landmark of local heritage. Thanks to National Lottery players, this investment will help carry out the necessary restoration work and install interpretation panels to tell the story of the bridge's history and significance." Councillor John Greenwell, Executive Member for Roads and Public Spaces at Scottish Borders Council, added: "This is a crucial step towards restoring the Kalemouth Suspension Bridge, reflecting the shared aspirations of the council and the community. With the funding secured, the project will move into detailed planning and implementation phases to ensure the long-term preservation of the Kalemouth Suspension Bridge." The advancement of this suspension bridge restoration project will preserve an important historical heritage and transportation link for the local community.