The vision for the Seven Lochs Green Bridge has been unveiled with Glasgow-based landscape architect Euan Maharg being selected as the winner of the design competition.

The competition invited design professionals and students to produce concept design proposals for a 'green bridge', which would connect two key sites within the Seven Lochs Wetland Park.

The infrastructure initiative is a key part of the green network for the proposed Park and is to become one of Scotland's largest urban wildlife sites, as well as a major new outdoor recreation resource.

The Green Bridge initiative is focused on creating a habitat and access link across the motorway between Drumpellier Country Park in North Lanarkshire and Commonhead Moss in Glasgow.

The competition, which was supported by Glasgow Institute of Architects and Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership, with funding from The Central Scotland Green Network Ideas Fund, saw five shortlisted candidates present their innovative ideas to a panel of seven judges.

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Mr Maharg's woodland bridge concept incorporated connections for both walkers and cyclists, using a direct route for people commuting and a slower route weaving through the new woodland for those who want to spend time in this new space.

Maharg said: "This bold and colourful brief was a pleasure to address. The Glasgow Institute of Architects hosted an inspiring night with the short-listed entrants and it's a privilege to have been counted among them. I would like to thank the judges for selecting my design.

"I found my site trips to Easterhouse and its surroundings a profound experience, which informed my strategy and green bridge proposal. My hope for these new places is that they will ultimately make a sensitive and public contribution to regeneration in Glasgow. I look forward to working with Scott Ferguson at the Green Network Partnership on delivering these new green spaces."

Scott Ferguson of the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership added: "It was clear that a huge amount of thought had gone into all the entries – and it was no easy task to pick a winner.

"However, Euan's thoughtful presentation and careful consideration of the wider regeneration context of the Seven Lochs project make him a worthy winner and we look forward to working with him on a detailed feasibility study."

(JP/MH)