The £27m bridge connecting UK to tiny island that used to cost £11.40 per trip

Scotland has 577 bridges, one of which initially caused public outrage over toll fees charged to use it.

Scotland

Skye bridge opened in October 1995 (Image: Getty)

The UK has a long history of building bridges and boasts some of the most impressive in the world. The most famous include Scotland's Queensferry Crossing, as well as the Humber and Tyne bridges - landmarks that have come to almost define a region.

In total the UK has as many as 3,680 bridges, which provide crucial access between regions and cities. Scotland has 577, one of which initially caused public outrage over toll fees charged to use it.

The bridge quickly gained a reputation for being the most expensive in the world, before the fees were scrapped.

Skye bridge was opened to the public on October 16, 1995 and connected the island to the mainland.

The bridge construction started in 1992 and was built by the Scottish company Miller, but designed by a German engineering company DYWIDAG Systems International in collaboration with civil engineering firm Arup.

Scotland

The main bridge is a concrete arch, supported by two piers. (Image: Getty)

The main bridge is a concrete arch, supported by two piers. This connects Skye to the small island called Eilean Bàn. The rest of the bridge is level across to the mainland.

The total distance across is 1.5 miles. The main arch is about 35m high (30m clearance for boats on high tide)

The bridge provided a much quicker and more efficient way for locals to access the mainland.

Prior to its construction, which cost around £28 million, people had to queue for hours in the summer waiting for the ferry from Kyle of Lochalsh to Kyleakin on the Isle of Skye.

The authorities originally charged a toll fee for driving across the bridge, which soon provoked a public backlash. Originally supposed to cost just 40p, the charge soon rocketed to £11.40, making the bridge the most expensive in Europe.

Many used to say: "The Skye Bridge - the only place in the world where you get mugged AND get a receipt!"

A protest group was quickly formed by people in Lochalsh and Skye called Skye Bridge Against Tolls os SKAT.

Eventually authorities bowed to public pressure and abolished the tolls on December 21 2004.

Protesters claimed the company operating the bridge raised more than £33 million through the toll fees, which far outstripped operational costs of £3.5 million.

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