Meeting of the Parliament 21 January 2026
I thank members for their informed and passionate contributions.
The Scottish Government recognises the value and importance of bridges to Scottish society. They provide more than physical links; they deliver significant social value by contributing to prosperity and improving mobility. Our national infrastructure extends across Scotland, and trunk road bridges across rural areas, islands and estuaries are part of that national connectivity, which makes them fundamental to economic development and community wellbeing, as many members, including Emma Roddick, pointed out.
The safety of our bridges is key, and I am aware of the challenges involved in managing our ageing bridge stock. The Scottish ministers are responsible for more than 1,700 bridges, many of which are more than 120 years old. For example, the General Wade bridge on the A83 at Inveraray dates from 1776, and the bridge of Teith on the A84 dates from 1535.
As Davy Russell pointed out, it follows that there is a need for constant maintenance of those ageing assets. It is imperative that properly qualified inspectors carry out regular inspections, and data from such inspections forms the backbone of asset investment decisions. That is the approach adopted by the Scottish Government. Inspections are carried out in accordance with national standards. General inspections are carried out every two years and principal inspections are carried out every six years, with monitoring, reactive or special inspections being carried out as required.
One of the biggest risks to bridges is scour, which has been exacerbated in recent years by the effects of climate change. I am pleased that Edward Mountain raised that point in his contribution. I highlight that, following storm Babet in 2023, scour affected many of our trunk road structures—for example, the A90 at Finavon. Such events require an emergency response in order to maintain public safety, in which case resources need to be diverted from planned activities.
Responsibility for the inspection and maintenance of, and investment decisions for, local bridges rests entirely with Scotland’s local authorities. Those structures are owned and managed by councils, and it is for them to determine priorities, allocate resources and lead on the development of repair or replacement plans in line with local needs and asset conditions.