World-renowned musician Bill Cook has composed a piece of music to commemorate the opening of the Clackmannanshire Bridge.

Mr Cook, who was a fiddle teacher in Clackmannanshire, Stirling and Falkirk for 30 years, was inspired to write the tune after the new bridge opened in November 2008.

The bridge has finally given Clackmannanshire direct access to Central Scotland's motorway network and cut journey times dramatically.

Provost Stewart said: "I am delighted to accept this piece of original music on behalf of Clackmannanshire Council. I was lucky enough to hear its premier performance earlier this year and am sure that it will feature on the programme of many ceilidhs in the future, spreading the word about Clackmannanshire and our new bridge."


Mr Cook is a distinguished musician and composer and is leader of the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra and conductor of The Stirling Caledonian Strathspey and Reel Society.

Last month he received the Outstanding Contribution to the Arts Award at the Clackmannanshire Awards ceremony.

He said: "I like to record local historical events and happenings in music and I think the new bridge is tremendous. I first played The Clackmannanshire Bridge at Sauchie Burns Supper and it seemed to go down well. I think it will become part of the regular repertoire at The Stirling Caledonian Strathspey and Reel Society concerts."

The Clackmannanshire Bridge is a military two-step.

(GK/JM)