This web site is still under construction
but you can still contribute to our fund raising effort
Jubilee Bridge fund raising effort
Jubilee Bridge is situated in the village of Appin, Argyll in the magnificant coastal scenery on the West Highlands of Scotland.
It is in the very heart of Clan Stewart countryside majestically overlooking Castle Stalker in Loch Linnhe with the mountains of Morvern in the background.
Unfortunately the bridge is in a poor condition having suffered from the ravages of wind and tide and the community are now looking for ways to carry out the necessary repairs.
Our little rickety footbridge
This iconic structure is a 19 span timber footbridge first built in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria and used originally to provide access between two local churches - and a welcome shortcut for the postie. It is described on the internet as "a little rickety footbridge". Rebuilt and reconstructed many times it is a popular well known symbol of the community loved and well used by local people and attracting tourists from all over the world to this beautiful part of Scotland.
The approach paths to the bridge provide the only access to our rich biodiversity and environmental heritage equalling some of the best in Scotland. It is a focus for walkers and cyclists who come to this area to see some of the finest scenery in Scotland.
The bridge has been maintained by voluntary community effort for as long as people can remember and already this year working parties from the village have been replacing broken beams and rotting deck boards. But it is still in a poor state of repair and no longer safe to be maintained by local physical effort. The foundations and sub-structure are in a reasonable state of repair but the main beams, the deck boards and the parapets now require replacing. We hope to be able to renew these using greenheart and ekki timber both known for maximum durability in an aggressive marine environment.
Its loss would deprive thousands of people from all over the world of the stunning scenery, the rich biodiversity, the local heritage as well as excellent physical and educational benefits.
Castle Stalker provides a spectacular backdrop for jubilee Bridge
The Community Council and the Appin Community Trust have jointly set up a restoration working party who have been fundraising for several months. Some money has already been raised and generous pledges have been made from The Crown Estates, Her Majesty the Queen (through the Privy Purse Trust) and some well known celebrities.
With the support of Argyll and Bute Council, LEADER, and Sustrans
we have been able to secure £95,700 for upgrading the approach access paths to make them wider, safer and more durable.
But much more is needed to reach our target of £150,000 for the construction of the bridge and a contingency fund for future annual maintenance.
One of our high tides
If you know the area, the bridge or you love the West Coast of Scotland can you please help us out? We will record and acknowledge every donation made where ever you live in the world, but please leave your name and address.
Jubilee bridge is not only a physical link between two parts of the village. It is a means of retaining community cohesiveness, a conduit for recreational, educational and social activities, a symbol of our local heritage and enjoyed by the local community and visitors from all over the world to this area of outstanding beauty.
Send donations to: Appin Community Trust, c/o The Community Village Shop. Port Appin, Argyll PA38 4. If you leave your name and address every donation will be acknowledged and if you are a UK tax payer Gift Aid tax relief will help our fund raising efforts.
The demise of this global iconic symbol would be unthinkable. Please help us to retain our "little rickety footbridge".
