Meeting of the Parliament 21 January 2026
The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-20178, in the name of Tim Eagle, on supporting Scotland’s bridges. The debate will be concluded without any question being put.
I invite those members who wish to speak in the debate to press their request-to-speak buttons, and I call Tim Eagle to open the debate.
Motion debated,
That the Parliament recognises what it sees as the vital role that bridges play in connecting communities across Scotland, including in the Highlands and Islands region, supporting access to work, education, healthcare, emergency services and local economies; notes recent reported events highlighting the vulnerability of Scotland’s bridge infrastructure, including the partial collapse of the Spey Viaduct and the ongoing closure, restriction or uncertainty affecting key local bridges such as Cloddach Bridge, Kirkcudbright Bridge and the Bridge of Alford; understands that many of these structures carry thousands of vehicles each day and serve as lifeline routes for both rural and urban communities; notes with concern reports that a number of local authorities, including Highland Council, have acknowledged that financial constraints mean that some bridges will be placed into managed decline, and recognises what it sees as the significant impact that bridge closures or long-term restrictions can have on connectivity, community resilience, local economies and public confidence in Scotland’s transport infrastructure.
17:19Motions, questions or amendments mentioned by their reference code.