Stockingfield Bridge to light up for the first time at opening parade in Glasgow

As the Glasgow Times reported on Wednesday, Stockingfield Bridge opened officially to the public.

The new structure now welcomes pedestrians and cyclists.

On Saturday, December 3, the lights will be switched on for the first time, as part of a special celebration.

Celebration of North Glasgow's new bridge

A procession will take place from four areas around the active travel bridge, representing the joining of communities for the first time since the canal was opened in 1790.

It will be led by Glasgow-based art group Carnival Arts, and will see a light show  with lanterns being made by the community that highlight the fauna and flora of the canal and their communities.

In addition, lanterns will be fitted to standard and non-standard bikes to showcase the accessibility of the bridge.

Scottish Canals chief operating officer, Richard Millar said: “14 years after we first developed the concept with the local community, we are delighted to be able to open this amazing new bridge to the public.

"Not only will it transform the active travel routes to the city centre and the West End for both local people and users of the national cycle network it has also helped to create place transforming vacant and derelict land into an attractive parkland full of community spirit through the numerous artworks, creating a destination and a place of deep community ownership and pride”.

READ MORE: Plan for artwork including old car to be placed in North Glasgow bridge

Stockingfield Bridge in Glasgow

A project by Scottish Canals, the innovative landmark aims to connect the communities of Maryhill, Ruchill and Gilsochill.

After 21 months, works finally concluded on it earlier this week.

Already, the bridge has earned the admiration of locals and received the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) People’s Choice Award for 2022, which recognises projects that have made a positive impact on their local communities.

Earlier this year, a beautiful picture of the structure also won his year's Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Photo Competition.

Communities of Maryhill, Lambhill and Gilsochill

Surrounding the bridge is an array of artwork, created by local artists in collaboration with North Glasgow residents.

Including mosaics, a car installation and a 121-metre mythical serpent statue, the nine pieces of art liven up the area and strengthen locals' invovement.

Sustrans Scotland director, Karen McGregor said: “Stockingfield Bridge is a remarkable achievement for all those involved, none more so than the local communities that helped make it a reality and who will feel the real benefits of it.

“We are excited to see this truly iconic structure opening to the public for the very first time and are confident it will secure status as a beacon of accessible active travel on the Glasgow skyline for years to come.”