Drochaid a’ Chaolais Chumhaing / Kylesku Bridge in Sutherland has been awarded Category A status by Historic Environment Scotland  after it was recognised as being of special architectural interest, it was announced on Wednesday 13 February.

The bridge will also be the first to be legally renamed in Gaelic.

Drochaid a’ Chaolais Chumhaing,which spans the deep sea inlet of An Caolas Cumhang, is one of Scotland’s most visually striking and technically innovative modern concrete bridges.

Built between 1981 and 1984, the quality of the bridge’s design and its method of construction have been recognised through a number of prestigious awards, including the Scottish Award for Civil Engineering Construction and the Concrete Society Award.

On the famous NC500 route it is a popular spot to stop and take photos.

Councillor Alister Mackinnon, Chair of The Highland Council’s Gaelic Strategy and Implementation Group,  said:

“Historically most of the residents in the local area were Gaelic speakers, and the area is culturally rich in Gaelic song and stories. It is therefore appropriate that this bridge is the first in the Highland area to be renamed in Gaelic, the indigenous language of the Highlands.”