Chance for Lossiemouth locals to secure wood from old East Beach Bridge
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LOSSIEMOUTH locals are to be given a unique chance to salvage a piece of wood from the old East Beach Bridge.
The bridge was dismantled in summer, shortly before the opening of the new bridge along the Esplanade.
However, given its importance to the town's people, wood from the old structure was not simply thrown in the fire – with a portion saved by an amalgamation of Lossiemouth community groups.
Two memorial benches, one to be placed at the site of the old bridge and one beside the new, will be made from the wood by Elgin Men's Shed. It's hoped these will be ready for use in the New Year.
The remaining planks, more than 100 pieces in total, will be available for locals to pick up.
"When the new bridge was built, there was understandable concern about what would happen to the old one as its held to the highest esteem in the town," Rab Forbes, spokesperson for the community groups involved, said.
"It was felt that to turn it into scrap did a injustice to it so the Lossiemouth Development Trust, Community Council, Tourist Group and Business Association got together to give a bit back to the town.
"The benches will be for folk to reminisce. We really appreciate the Men's Shed creating them for us.
"Only the walkway was in condition to save. It was originally taken to a scrap merchants – but we managed to save a lot of it.
"The walkway is in slats so people will get a slat and, if possible, will be asked to make a donation."
The money donated will go to the Labybird Group, a Lossiemouth-based charity.
"We wanted to give the funds to a local charity," Rab added.
"They will use the money well. The Ladybird Group has a long track record of doing tremendous things with kids in the town.
"The bridge was at the heart of the community so it's right that we are giving the funds to another part of the town."
The planks of wood will be available to collect from Gregory Place Car Park on Saturday, December 12, between 10am and 12 noon.
One piece will be available per person. If there are slats remaining then individuals can have another piece.
