Party to mark new bridge opening

The new crossing will be officially opened on 19 November

Clackmannanshire Council is to host a community party to mark the official opening of the upper Forth crossing.

The local authority said more than 300 people from across the Wee County would be invited to attend the party.

It was revealed last month that the new crossing would be named the Clackmannanshire Bridge following a campaign by locals.

Provost Derek Stewart said that was why local people deserved the chance to celebrate the opening on 19 November.

The event will coincide with the opening of the bridge on 19 November.

Council leader Janet Cadenhead will host the party at Alloa Town Hall, while Provost Stewart and councillor Eddie Carrick, who led the council's campaign, will attend the official opening.

Provost Stewart said: "It is only right that the people of Clackmannanshire, who really got behind the Clackmannanshire Bridge campaign, get the chance to celebrate this exciting and historic day which is why we are putting on a party.

"My only regret is that everyone can't come - but the town hall just isn't big enough."

Both Clackmannanshire and Fife Councils had campaigned to have the crossing named after their areas, with members in Falkirk also making suggestions.

The £120m crossing, to alleviate traffic pressure on the Kincardine Bridge, is expected to raise the profile of Clackmannanshire, Scotland's smallest local authority.