Newest North Glasgow bridge Stockingfield Bridge will connect communities

Patrick Harvie MSP was joined by Catherine Topley, Chief Executive of Scottish Canals;  Andrew Thin, Chair of Scottish Canals; Karen McGregor from Sustrans and local artist David Galbraith.

The infrastructure will connect the communities of Maryhill, Ruchill and Gilsochill and serve as an alternative route to nearby Lochburn Aquaduct that often floods and is used by pedestrians and cars as well.

From left to right: Andrew Thin, Catherine Topley, Patrick Harvie, Karen McGregor and David Galbraith

North Glasgow's newest Stockingfield Bridge

Richard Millar, Chief Operating Officer of Scottish Canals said: "We saw the challenge with the path. It comes along and off the mainline, underneath a deep, dark tunnel and back up on steps. 

"It was no good for cyclists, walkers, certainly not for disabled users.

"We wanted to find a solution that lifted all of this above ground and developed a new way of crossing the canal and connected the three communities around here who haven't been connected for a very long time."

READ MORE: Spotlight: Sauchiehall Street small traders fear for the future as big names exit

Chief Executive of Scottish Canals, Catherine Topley added: "I am just really excited about the project.

"In 2018, when I started, Richard came to me and he said ' I need to talk to you about a bridge'.

"We had a look at what needed to be done and I think the really important thing here is that the canal separates three communities.

"As a result, this bridge now reconnects them, brings them back together and gives them the opportunity to use each others' resources, to get to the other side of the town quickly, it gives them a safe passage on the path.

"The canal is a wonderful place and by bringing the bridge over it, we are hoping it will open up the area and make it more usable as well."

Glasgow's Stockingfield will have art installations from community members (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

Works on the new North Glasgow Bridge are expected to finish in September

The new North Glasgow bridge will transform the area

Patrick Harvie MSP said: "It is about the canal, but not just about the canal, it's about active travel, but not just about active travel, it's about community and creating something together that could last 120 years.

"This is something to be really proud of. Before, if you ran, walked or cycled this path, it was a bit to resent and feel really grim about.

"Now, it is going to become something to celebrate and be inspired by." 

Construction started in 2020, after consultation with local communities from 2008, and is still ongoing but the bridge is expected to be ready for public use in September of this year.

To establish it as an asset for North Glasgow residents, a green space and eight art projects will be installed around the structure.

Nichol Wheatley, artist and Art Director of the site said: "Quite often, you see projects like this and the community just has something landing on them, not a say in what they get to see.

"What were were able to do here is go out to the locals and ask them what they wanted.

"We are getting eight artists, but each of them are working with communities of charities around Maryhill, Ruchill and Gilsochill and they are making the art together, which will be installed here."

David Galbraith, local business owner and artist at Stockingfield Bridge

Lochburn Aquaduct

Stockingfield Bridge in North Glasgow (Image: Colin Mearns)

A large snake statue, ceramic tiles, benches, granite lockstones are just a few examples of what is planned for the area.

Local artist David Galbraith, who is involved in the project, is a retired mixed martial artist and runs a gym in Maryhill.

He said: "I am looking to get a 1960s Rover, cut it in half and bury it in the ground.

"Below the car, there will be a cobblestone road and the natural environment will take over the car.

"It will symbolise nature reclaiming the industrial past."

The art installations are scheduled to be installed in August, ahead of the bridge becoming available to the public.