Fiftieth Anniversary of the Erskine Bridge

That the Parliament celebrates the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Erskine Bridge; notes that the landmark bridge was opened in July 1971 by Princess Anne; understands that the bridge, which took four years to build, has become an icon of the West of Scotland landscape; notes with interest that it is the largest bridge which connects communities either side of the Clyde; celebrates the fact that Historic Environment Scotland granted the bridge A-listed status three years ago, describing the bridge as a “state-of-the-art infrastructure landmark in Scotland”; gives credit to the hard fought local campaign spearheaded by Labour politicians working alongside local people which saw the Erskine Bridge toll charge removed on 1 April 2006; acknowledges that this has led to a positive impact on tourism and the West of Scotland economy; further acknowledges that people living on both sides of the bridge in Erskine and Old Kilpatrick had planned to celebrate the 50th anniversary by marching to meet in the middle of the bridge but celebrations had to be postponed due to COVID-19, and hopes that these communities will be able to celebrate this worthy landmark's impressive anniversary in the near future.