Joy at re-opening of Kingussie's Ruthven Bridge

With no fanfare but much local joy, the Spey crossing on the B970 at Kingussie is open to traffic again after a major water-proofing and re-surfacing job.

The town's community council chairman, returning from an equestrian event at Balmoral Castle over the weekend, rejoiced at the site of the 'new' bridge.

Ruaridh Ormiston told the Strathy: "It's great to arrive home and see Ruthven Bridge over the River Spey at Kingussie open again.

"The surface and expansion joints are looking good.

"It's great for tourists, to get to see Ruthven Barracks again, and for locals to be connected again."

The transformation follows a long campaign for an upgrade after years of potholes. A public meeting brought together local councillors, business and community representatives to share their concerns with Highland Council roads officers last year and a promise was made to address the issues with a higher spec operation.

The £270k project has left the bridge with a thicker and more modern surface along with new drainage channels.

The first vehicles crossed the river over the weekend in glorious sunshine.

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