Local constituency MSP Finlay Carson has expressed his profound disappointment following the Scottish Government's outright refusal to provide financial assistance for a new road bridge in Kirkcudbright.
Despite writing to the First Minister last week to seek urgent funding for a replacement bridge, which was abruptly closed due to safety concerns, the response from John Swinney has been a categorical denial of any financial support to Dumfries and Galloway Council.
The Galloway and West Dumfries MSP stated: “Given the dire circumstances, I am appalled that the Scottish Government has chosen to abandon our community by refusing to assist in funding a replacement bridge.
The First Minister's claim of delivering a record settlement to Scottish local authorities is a blatant misrepresentation of the truth.
“The harsh reality is that the SNP Government has systematically drained councils of resources, jeopardizing essential services and jobs with their unrealistic budgets. John Swinney's decision to walk away without offering any constructive help or financial assistance is not only incomprehensible but utterly unacceptable. Replacing the concrete bridge will cost millions, and the local authority is already struggling to find the necessary resources amidst rising costs.”
In his letter to the First Minister, the Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP highlighted the severe impact on local residents following the bridge's closure after an inspection by structural engineers.
He warned that the closure has forced drivers to take significant detours, disrupting daily commutes and placing additional pressure on local businesses, with fears that tourists may be deterred from visiting the town.
Mr. Carson wrote: “The closure has also compromised emergency services, potentially causing dangerous delays in response times. Given the critical role this iconic bridge plays in our community, will the First Minister commit to providing urgent assistance to Dumfries and Galloway Council, including exploring options for financial support to reinstate the vehicular crossing as soon as possible?”
While acknowledging the closure's "frustration" and "inconvenience" for local residents, businesses, and visitors, Mr. Swinney ruled out any tangible help. He stated: “I understand that Kirkcudbright Bridge has been closed to all vehicles in the interest of public safety and to protect the structural integrity of this important local authority-managed crossing, while the local council agrees on the next steps for the long term. With the diversion in place, Transport Scotland’s Operating Company, Amey, will continue to provide assistance on enhanced diversion signing via the A75.”
Ruling out financial help, the First Minister continued: “Having delivered a record Local Government Settlement of over £15 billion in the Scottish Budget 2025-26, we have ensured that our partners in local government have a fair funding settlement to support them in managing their local road and bridge assets. The Scottish Government’s policy towards local authorities’ spending is to allow local authorities the financial freedom to operate independently.
“It is the responsibility of individual local authorities to manage their own budgets and allocate resources, including prioritizing bridge repairs and maintenance based on local needs and priorities. To this end, I am reassured to note that Dumfries and Galloway Council’s website states that the Kirkcudbright Bridge project is included within the council’s capital investment programme for the financial year 2025/26.”
