Villagers were yesterday hailing the delayed start of summer following the reopening of a historic crossing to their award-winning sands.
Ladies Bridge in Cruden Bay – the main pedestrian link to the beach – had been closed since March while the local authority constructed its £178,000 replacement.
It was officially unveiled to the public this week at a ceremony involving local schoolchildren.
Last night, Alison Warrander, the owner of St Olaf Hotel in the village, said she was hopeful that tourists would now be more inclined to visit the area.
“People have certainly spoken before about not being able to get through to the beach when the bridge has been closed,” she said.
“It’s always disappointing when it’s closed, because there is no other easy access onto the beach.”
The previous wooden trestle footbridge was condemned due to safety concerns.
Built in 1922, it had become unfit for use and had been closed on a number of occasions in recent years amid fears it could collapse.
Ian Devenish, the manager of Cruden Bay Bed and Breakfast, said he and other businesses were looking forward to the remainder of the summer season now that the village’s most famous attraction was there for everyone to enjoy.
“The beach we have in Cruden Bay is a wonderful one, if it was in Malibu it would be worth millions,” he said.
“For a stroll along the beach, there is nowhere better, and the bridge being re-opened will definitely benefit us.
“We used to get a lot of visitors from Aberdeen and Inverurie on a Sunday who would just come to have a walk along the beach.”
Hugh McIntyre, the chairman of the village’s community association, said businesses had suffered from previous closures.
“There was an urgency to replace it,” he said.
“We have noticed in the past that there has been a significant impact on passing trade over the summer when people realise they can’t get access to the beach.”