All 23 youngsters of Loudoun-Montgomery’s Primary 6/5 class unveiled the name of the bridge after they raced across the £3.5 million structure and burst through the tape to declare the bridge officially open.
The name Foulertoun Arches was one of almost 50 names suggested by the pupils of Loudoun-Montgomery Primary School for the new bridge. The reference to Arches is after the style of the bridge and the name Foulertoun is the ancient spelling of Fullarton – the local area where the bridge is located.
Each of the children's names will feature on a commemorative plaque to be erected at the bridge embankment on part of an old sandstone pillar ‘recycled’ from the original railway bridge across the River Irvine.
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The pupils will all also receive a Special Award medal for their efforts, presented by North Ayrshire Council’s Depute Provost, Ian Clarkson, and will be treated to a Bridge Brunch back at the Council’s headquarters.
Loudoun-Montgomery Head Teacher, Janie Millar, said: “The P5/6 pupils are thrilled to have been involved, both in choosing the name of the new bridge and in the official opening ceremony. This is an experience which will stay with these children for the rest of their lives.”
North Ayrshire Council Leader, David O’Neill, said: “The old Bailey-style bridge was supposed to be in place for four years and ended up being there for 38 years - it was in a terrible state and had to be replaced as a matter of urgency.
“The Council did come in for some criticism while the road was closed for the past year to build the replacement bridge but we’ve received many positive comments since the road re-opened and people are delighted with the quality of the eye-catching new structure and the other improvement works in the area."
Alan Bill, Managing Director of GRAHAM Construction said: “We are very pleased to have delivered this iconic bridge for North Ayrshire Council. Following a very wet summer and one of the worst winters in recent history, it is testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff that the project was completed on programme. Working in partnership with our supply chain partners, we have delivered a bridge that the people of Irvine can be proud of and its construction continues our strong tradition in completing iconic bridge structures throughout the UK and Ireland.”
(GK)
