‘That’s a shame’ cry NC500 locals as popular bridge shut ‘until further notice’

LOCALS living along the North Coast 500 have been left gutted after a popular bridge was closed “until further notice” over fears of its structural integrity.

The suspension bridge, situated around 20 miles south of Ullapool in the Highlands, has been shut off to the public due to a “potential structural issue” that has sparked a probe.

The bridge crosses over the Falls of Measach and the River Droma through the Corrieshalloch Gorge.

The Wester Ross landmark had recently received £10,000 of maintenance work as part of a £3.1million grant given to the Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve last year.

But the National Trust of Scotland – who manage the beauty spot – announced it must close the bridge until further notice until inspection work could be carried out.

The NTS posted a statement to its website which read: “Please note that, as a precaution, the bridge over Corrieshalloch Gorge has been closed until further notice.

“Investigations are underway due to a potential structural issue. The Gateway to Nature Centre and linked pathways remain open.”

The bridge traverses a mile-long canyon, which sees the River Droma dramatically rush underneath.

It is a popular stop on the NC500 for tourists who consider it a “hidden gem” on the bucket list road trip of the far north of Scotland.

Locals and visitors were left gutted by the news – and took to social media to share their view on the closure.

One wrote: “Aww that’s a shame. We were there last week. Lovely view from the bridge and nice little walk on the other side. Hope it’s sorted out soon.”

Another commented: “It seemed rather wobblier than usual yesterday in the v heavy rain storm.”

A third said: “Glad we were on it three weeks ago then.

“Hopefully all resolved soon as the new visitors centre is excellent.”

A fourth added: “Stopped there on way to Ullapool three weeks today hope it’s open soon for all to enjoy.”

It comes as tourists planning to travel along the North Coast 500 face having to pay a fee to drive their motorhomes and campervans through the iconic route.

The Highland Council have introduced the new charge as part of a scheme that will help deliver “sustainable and responsible tourism” in the area.

And we previously told how raging residents living along the North Coast 500 route have hit out at ‘idiot’ drivers after catching them ‘driving like lunatics’.

Locals have been left fuming after sports car drivers have been spotted zooming along country roads near Lochinver.