A new £15 million bridge across the River Naver has officially opened near Bettyhill, replacing a single track crossing which had served the north Sutherland community since the 1880s.

The new A836 Naver Bridge removes a longstanding bottleneck on an important local route which has also experienced increased traffic since the growth of the North Coast 500.

Highland Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair Councillor Ken Gowans formally opened the completed crossing alongside members of the local community and school pupils.

The old wrought iron plate girder bridge dated from the 1880s and had become increasingly unsuitable for modern traffic on the route.

Its replacement has been funded through Highland Council’s capital budget as part of the Highland Investment Plan, with the overall project costing £15 million.

For people living in Bettyhill and the surrounding communities, however, the significance of the new crossing goes considerably further than its role on a popular tourist route.

The A836 provides an important connection across north Sutherland, making the bridge part of the everyday infrastructure relied upon by residents, businesses and services.

Jim Johnston, speaking on behalf of the Bettyhill, Altnaharra and Strathnaver community, said:

“We are delighted to see the bridge complete and to see traffic flowing across it.

“The old bridge dated back to the 1880s, but it had served its time.

“We are pleased the community now has access to a much more modern and suitable facility to meet local needs and to handle the increased traffic flow that has arisen from the NC 500.

“On behalf of the community council, I would like to thank everyone who has brought the project to its successful conclusion.”

The construction work was carried out by Wills Bros Civil Engineering, with Fairhurst supporting Highland Council’s officers and design team.

Councillor Gowans said:

“Today is a significant day for the local community, for the wider North Coast, and for everyone who relies on this important route.

“The council’s investment demonstrates our commitment to communities across Highland, both rural and urban, and ensuring that vital infrastructure continues to support economic growth, connectivity and resilience for generations to come.”

The project also delivered additional community benefits during construction, including a new footbridge to Farr Beach as part of an initiative led by Bettyhill, Altnaharra and Strathnaver Community Council.

Local schoolchildren were invited onto the site during the build to learn about the engineering, design and construction involved in delivering the new crossing.

The bridge forms part of Highland Council’s wider £2.1 billion Highland Investment Plan, a 20 year programme covering schools, roads and other infrastructure across the region.

After almost a century and a half of service from its Victorian predecessor, north Sutherland now has a crossing designed for the traffic and needs of a very different age.