They came, they saw, they built it – and now it needs a name.
Highland Council have revealed a shortlist of eight titles for the new West Link Bridge to go to a public vote.
Members of the public will be able to vote on their preference until Monday November 6, just one month shy of the completion of phase one of project.
Provost of Inverness, Helen Carmichael is eager for residents to get involved in celebration of its opening. She said: “The opening of the road will be something to celebrate. I know that people are really looking forward to using it and I hope lots of people will come along and take part in some of the activities we are planning, which include a fun run across the bridge.
“It is fitting that people should be able to choose the name of the new bridge and I would encourage everyone to take part in our poll, which will be open on twitter and on our website until Monday 6 November.”
The names proposed by councillors from across the region include Canal Parks Bridge, Caledonian Crossing, Great Glen Crossing and Holm Mills Bridge, as well as Ness West Crossing, Torvean Bridge, West Link Bridge and Whin Bridge.
The crossing between the Dores roundabout and the A82 at Torvean, across the River Ness, is set to open in December with a fun run being organised to mark the occasion.
Chair of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Allan Henderson said: “It is so very exciting to be so close to the opening of the new bridge and the completion of the first phase of the West Link Project. The new road will connect our communities, provide options for A82 users and should reduce congestion the centre of Inverness as well as increase the opportunities for people to walk and cycle.
The West Link Project forms part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region deal. The initiative has gained financial support of more than £315 million from both the UK and Scottish Governments, as well as the Highland Council, HIE and University of the Highlands and Islands.
Planning permission for the project was given on April 14th 2014, with work on the crossing beginning two years later on May 3 last year.
The Highland Council have contributed £55 million to the project aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.
Online reaction
Online, the shortlist was less well-received.
“Ye gods, could you have come up with a less-inspired set of choices? How about a bit of local colour or history? How about a name that highlights some of the fantastic wildlife we are lucky enough having living in the River Ness? How about anything with just a little bit of imagination and sense of place? I despair!”
Helen Smith
“Haha some belters of names there! ….not an ounce of imagination.”
David John Robertson
“Hardly an inspirational set of names- come back when you have one worth voting for!”
Renate Jephcott
“With the Pictish history over that part you would of thought there might have been some historical kind of choice!”
Nina Mitchell
The eight names proposed for the West Link Bridge crossing
- Canal Parks Bridge
- Caledonian Crossing
- Great Glen Crossing
- Holm Mills Bridge
- Ness West Crossing
- Torvean Bridge
- West Link Bridge
- Whin Bridge
