Ward Capital Funding Supports Ardstinchar Bridge Reopening

South Ayrshire Council is pleased to confirm that our Ward Capital Projects programme has supported the reopening of a historic bridge in the area.

Ardstinchar Bridge, which crosses the River Stinchar in Ballantrae, close to the iconic Ardstinchar Castle, is a popular tourist attraction and is useable by pedestrians and cyclists.

In recent years, the bridge fell into disrepair due to water erosion and closed to the public for safety reasons.  

Our Ward Capital Projects programme provided the funding to allow the repair of previously installed scour prevention measures at the South Abutment and Central Pier of the bridge. This reduced the risk of the foundations of the bridge being undermined in high river flow events and allowed the bridge to reopen once complete.  

Ward Capital investment was initially agreed by Council in March 2023, to invest in each of South Ayrshire's eight wards over a period of four years. This money comes from our capital budget, which means that the funds can only be spent on fixed assets or one-time, larger purchases that have a lasting legacy. This includes things like outdoor seating, play areas and road surfacing.

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, Councillor Alec Clark said: "I'm delighted that we've been able to support the reopening of this historic bridge, it's a significant moment for both the community and the region's heritage.

"Through our Ward Capital Projects programme, we've been able to preserve a piece of history while ensuring that it continues to be accessible to both locals and visitors alike. This project demonstrates the lasting impact of investing in our infrastructure, and highlights our commitment to preserving South Ayrshire's unique landmarks for future generations.

"It's the small, meaningful projects like this that truly make a difference in the lives of our residents, and increase the attractiveness of the area for visitors."

You can read more about the history of Ardstinchar Bridge in our blog.