There is a “bittersweet” feeling in the Lossiemouth air as demolition has begun on the old East Beach Bridge.
Though not as many lined the esplanade as did last week when the new bridge was opened, there are those who are sad to see the structure being taken apart.
Members of the community remembered good times crossing the bridge to get to the golden sands of East Beach, which can now be enjoyed once more.
Rab Forbes, a member of the Lossiemouth Community Development Trust (LCDT), said the old bridge was “iconic” in the community.
“The old bridge was well loved, it’s iconic in the town and anyone who has seen a photo of the town, that bridge will be in it,” he said.
“It’s bittersweet and very sad for a lot of people in the town who have known and enjoyed it for all their lives. To see it go will hurt a little and that’s a shame.”
Supports of old Lossiemouth bridge to stay in place
The old bridge closed in July 2019 following safety concerns and has fallen further into disrepair since.
“The condition of the old bridge was such that it couldn’t stay in its present form,” said Mr Forbes.
“It certainly wasn’t safe enough to walk across, it wouldn’t have been long before bits of it would probably have ended up falling in the river.”
Beaver Bridges are working to remove the walkway of the bridge but will leave the supports in place so that part of its silhouette remains over the river.
Is new crossing as popular as old bridge?
Since opening last Tuesday, it is estimated that around 5,000 people have crossed the new bridge each day.
The LCDT has installed a means of counting the number of people using it and will be able to release accurate data in summer.
Mr Forbes said: “The new bridge has been exceptionally well received, better than we ever could have wished.”
He hoped locals who are currently more skeptical to the new bridge would soon come around.
“Is it as popular as the old bridge? That will take time,” he said.
Watch: Timelapse shows Lossiemouth East Beach Bridge taking shape
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