Historic Glasgow bridge moving almost 100 miles to new home at Caledonian Railway station in Brechin

A historic footbridge from Glasgow is being moved almost 100 miles north to a permanent new home in Angus.

The 146-year old bridge formerly connected Darnley Road and Moray Place at Strathbungo in Glasgow’s southside.

It was removed from the railway last month and will now take pride of place at Caledonian Railway’s station in Brechin.

Work is ongoing to replace the bridge as part of the Glasgow to Barrhead electrification project – a Scottish Government investment to decarbonise passenger services across Scotland’s Railway by 2035.

Efforts were made over several months to rehome the footbridge – made by Paisley ironworks Hanna, Donald and Wilson in 1877 – and the railway columns that once supported Susie’s Store on Nithsdale Road, which was demolished as part of the project.

Michelle McCaig, Network Railway project manager for the bridge work, said: “We are so pleased to have been able to find a new home for the footbridge and railway columns.

“Ideally, we wanted to try to keep the bridge in Glasgow, as we know the significant role it has played in the community over the years, but unfortunately a viable solution couldn’t be found.

“However, as the former footbridge was built as part of the Caledonian Railway and the charity is the only preserved and remaining part of this network, it seems fitting the bridge will once again be part of this.

“By being part of Brechin station, this provides an great opportunity for the footbridge to continue to be used and appreciated.”

Network Rail explored several options to try to keep the footbridge in Glasgow, but could not find a suitable location.

It was then released for tender where contact was made with Caledonian Railway, a volunteer-run charity that restores, maintains and operates a heritage railway in Angus.

The charity intends to use the columns to develop ramp access to Caledonian Railway’s Brechin station and provide much improved facilities for visitors.

The footbridge will be installed as part of the restoration and improvement work at the station.

Jon Gill, Chairman of Caledonian Railway Brechin Ltd, said: “We are thrilled to be able to incorporate these fantastic parts of our railway heritage in to our live preserved railway.

“This will ensure that visitors will be able to continue to enjoy their use for years to come.”