Repair work allows bridge to reopen to horse riders

A bridge in the Borders which is popular with horse riders has reopened for them to cross after repair works were carried out.

The Haughhead Bridge in Innerleithen is an important active travel link for people walking, wheeling and cycling in the area.

Repairs carried out in December 2024 allowed it to reopen on a limited basis - but not to horse riders due to safety concerns regarding the strength of the deck.

Now further work has been carried out which will allow them to cross once more.

The funding to carry out the work came from the UK government's Community Regeneration Partnership and Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (WWCT).

Scottish Borders Council said the bridge had been brought back into use "as soon as it was safe to do so".

Some finishing works are still required over the next few days.

Jenny Linehan, SBC's executive member for environment, sustainability and transport, said: "It is great to see Haughhead Bridge repaired and reopened for public use.

"The bridge is clearly an important asset to the local community, and it is encouraging to know that it will once again be able to fulfil its full potential in due course.

"It is fantastic that funding is being used to improve important local infrastructure."