Green light given for new bridge at popular Callander location - with new structure set for 120 years

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Backing has been given for a new bridge to be built at a much-loved Callander beauty spot.Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park planners have approved an application by the authority to erect a replacement bridge at Bracklinn Falls.Designed to last for the next 120 years, the new structure will be a feature of a popular walking route.In their decision, park planners said: “Bracklinn Falls is a designated tourist site on the Keltie Water, located north-east of Callander.“It can be accessed from Callander via a single-track road to a public car park and then via a footpath through an area of native woodland.

Keltie Water is designated as a Special Area of Conservation, the designation ends just to the north of the proposed bridge site.“The application site relates to the area required to accommodate the span of the bridge across Bracklinn Falls, from Brackland Glenn following the footpath and track to the south for approximately 750 metres.

Brackland Glenn is a popular location with tourist information boards and informal access routes to the river. The area of woodland around the bridge and river corridor is designated as ancient woodland.“The previous bridge has recently been removed for safety reasons and the site is currently secured with ‘heras’ fencing.

The gorge has two rocky outcrops with concrete remains from the original bridge on each embankment, and some concrete steps left in situ.”The planners said the bridge - which spans 20 metres - had been designed for use mainly by pedestrians and “the occasional off-road mountain bike and trail bike users”.They added: “It will span across the rocky outcrop at the narrow part of the gorge and will be sited on the position of the previous bridge.“The bridge will be