Scenic Callander footbridge secures top engineering award

Bracklinn Falls footbridge in Callander has been awarded a top engineering honour.

Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority announced that the bridge had won the Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge category at the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE) Awards 2024.

The global recognition highlights the exceptional design, engineering, and significance of the bridge within the National Park.

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Nestled in one of the most beloved and frequently visited areas of the National Park near Callander, the replacement footbridge was officially completed in February 2023, providing spectacular views of the Bracklinn Falls and a means to complete the full Bracklinn Falls Circuit.

Its innovative design was said to not only enhance the visitor experience but also embody the National Park’s commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and excellence in public space infrastructure.

A bridge has existed there since at least the early 18th century and the picturesque site demanded a sensitive design response to context as well as a resilient technical solution, which was led by structural engineering consultancy Cake Engineering alongside BEAM Architects.

The bridge was constructed as part of the National Park’s Place Programme, which aims to strengthen communities and enhance visitor experiences through targeted investments in infrastructure and conservation.

The programme reflects the Park Authority’s dedication to preserving and enriching the natural and cultural heritage of the park while supporting sustainable tourism.

Stuart Mearns, Director of Place for LLTNPA said: “We are really proud that Bracklinn Falls Footbridge was recognised with this prestigious global award as the Best Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge. This accolade is a testament to the vision and hard work of everyone involved in this project, from the engineers and designers to the local community who supported its development.

“Bracklinn Falls is a much-loved National Park location, and this investment underscores our commitment to enhancing key sites within the park as part of our Place Programme. We are thrilled to see our efforts resonate at an international level.”

David Knight, Cake Engineering Director said: “This is a significant accolade for the bridge, which was up against extremely tough competition from as far afield as Japan, China, Switzerland and Ireland.

“It was a real honour to accept the award on behalf of everyone who had an involvement in the design and construction – from the design team through to the fabricators and team who installed the bridge in the dead of winter.

“However, it takes vision from an engaged and knowledgeable client to make this kind of project happen, and much credit needs to go to the team at the National Park that made this elegant and technically challenging project a reality.”

The recognition by IABSE reinforces the National Park’s role in setting new standards for sustainable infrastructure that harmonises with the natural environment and enhances visitor engagement.

The Bracklinn Falls Bridge has previously received additional accolades. It was a Gold Award winner at the Scottish Design Awards 2023 in the Low-Cost Project Schemes Under 200k category, and was Highly Commended by the Civic Trust Awards, with judges praising it as, “a shining example of how thoughtful design and construction can contribute to and align seamlessly with the natural beauty of its surroundings.”

Additionally, the bridge was shortlisted for the Structural Awards 2023, competing alongside international projects from China, Canada, and the UK.