Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park footbridge wins global award

The global recognition highlights the exceptional design, engineering, and significance of the bridge within the National Park.

The bridge is in one of most frequently visited areas of the National Park near Callander and was completed in February 2023.

It allows visitors to see spectacular views of the Bracklinn Falls and affords people an opportunity to complete the full circuit of them.

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The bridge has previously received other accolades, becoming a Gold Award winner at the Scottish Design Awards 2023 and was highly commended in the Civic Trust awards, and was even nominated in the Structural Awards 2023 alongside international projects from China, Canada and the rest of the UK.

The innovative design improves visitor experience and shows the park’s commitment to sustainability, accessibility and excellent.

Stuart Mearns, Director of Place for Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, commented on the award: "We are really proud that Bracklinn Falls Footbridge has recognised with this prestigious global award as the Best Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge.

“This accolade is a testament to the vision and hard work of everyone involved in this project, from the engineers and designers to the local community who supported its development.

"Bracklinn Falls is a much-loved National Park location, and this investment underscores our commitment to enhancing key sites within the park as part of our Place Programme. We are thrilled to see our efforts resonate at an international level."

A bridge has existed in this spot since at least the early 18th century and the replacement bridge project was led by renowned structural engineering consultancy, Cake Engineering alongside BEAM Architects.

David Knight, Cake Engineering Director said: “This is a significant accolade for the bridge, which was up against extremely tough competition from as far afield as Japan, China, Switzerland and Ireland.

“It was a real honour to accept the award on behalf of everyone who had an involvement in the design and construction – from the design team through to the fabricators and team who installed the bridge in the dead of winter.

“However, it takes vision from an engaged and knowledgeable client to make this kind of project happen, and much credit needs to go to the team at the National Park that made this elegant and technically challenging project a reality."

The recognition by IABSE reinforces the National Park’s role in setting new standards for sustainable infrastructure that harmonises with the natural environment and enhances visitor engagement.