Union Chain Bridge to Northumberland reopens

THE Union Chain Bridge has reopened to link the Borders to Northumberland once more. Restoration work on the oldest vehicle suspension bridge in the world began in October 2020. Each part of the bridge – which opened in 1820 – was removed, checked, and replaced. Councillor John Greenwell, executive member for roads development and maintenance…

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Bronze sculpture overlooks Union Chain Bridge

A BRONZE sculpture of designer Captain Samuel Brown now overlooks the Union Chain Bridge. The sculpture was placed on the Northumbrian side of the bridge, which links Scotland with England, to “oversee” the final stages of the current restoration work. Brown was a Royal Navy officer who made cables for ships using iron chains. His…

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Union Chain Bridge prepares to reopen

THE Union Chain Bridge, which links Scotland to England, is preparing to reopen after Hogmanay. Restoration of the 202-year-old structure, the the oldest vehicle suspension bridge in the world, began in October 2020. Around 95% of the handrails are now in place and final painting work is continuing – although the surfaces need to be…

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The story of the bridge between Scotland and England

A special online talk is being held next week to discuss the Welsh connection between the bridge linking Scotland and England. Engineering expert Stephen K. Jones will give an online talk about the Union Chain Bridge on Tuesday 23 February, focussing on its iron work and the innovative foundries in Wales that supplied it. This…

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Union Chain Bridge champion wins award

ONE of the people behind the campaign to preserve the historic Union Chain Bridge linking England and Scotland across the River Tweed has been chosen as the winner of the Tweed Forum River Champion Award. Edward Cawthorn from Berwick was a founding member of the “Friends of the Union Chain Bridge”, which was formed in…

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Saving the bridge between Scotland and England

Work to restore a historic bridge between Scotland and England could begin early next year, if funding is approved in May. Built in 1820, the Union Chain Bridge is the oldest operational suspension bridge in the world still carrying vehicles, and through securing National Lottery support, it is anticipated that the bridge project can also…

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Discuss the future of the bridge across the border

The future of a bridge between Scotland and England is to be discussed at meetings next week. Members of the public are invited to two consultation events on Saturday 9 February to find out more about the bid to conserve the historic Union Chain Bridge. Members of the project team and Friends of the Union…

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Bridge between Scotland and England set for closures

A historic bridge linking Scotland with England is to close for up to 10 weeks. The series of closures of the iconic Union Chain Bridge will be taking place as further progress is made on the second round National Lottery bid. The closure, which will be intermittent, begins on Monday 10 September and runs from…

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Views wanted on historic bridge between Scotland and England

Members of the public are being invited to give their views on the Union Chain Bridge in the Borders as part of ambitious plans to safeguard its future. Scottish Borders Council (SBC), Northumberland County Council (NCC) and community group Friends of the Union Chain Bridge are jointly working on a £7.8m project to secure its…

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