Her Royal Highness (HRH) has opened a newly refurbished footbridge in the Highlands.

Princess Anne unveiled a plaque and officially opened the new Alexander Bridge at a ceremony on Thursday, 21 July.

The B-listed Alexander Bridge in Tain was restored by Maclean & Speirs in partnership with engineering company Allen Gordon's of Inverness.

The historic structure was closed in 2011 due to severe corrosion. Strengthening work carried out allowed it to reopen on a medium term basis but to secure its future a full renovation was required.

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Engineers removed the deck of the bridge and its supporting hangers for cleaning/restoration, after which the bridge towers were throughly refurbished.

Funding for the project was put in place with Tain Common Good fund contributing £176,670 and further funding coming from Historic Scotland [£98,895], Highland Council's Capital Discretionary Fund [£76,406]; Highland Council Ward Discretionary Budget [£11,935] and Tain Community Council [£5,000].

After opening the bridge, HRH viewed an exhibition showing images of the original structure and photos of the various stages of the refurbishment and chatted with the team who carried out the work

Cllr Alistair Rhind said:"The bridge is a real Tain landmark so we are delighted that it has been restored and now can enjoy a new lease of life."

(LM/MH)