Skye Mountain Rescue Team Leader Gerry Akroyd, Hugh Macleod of Macleod Estate and Councillor John Laing on the new bridge at Allt Dearg, Sligachan

Mountain rescuers will have less distance to cover following the installation of a new footbridge on Skye.

In the week when a climber died and another was seriously injured in separate incidents on the Cuillin, the leader of the Skye Mountain Rescue Team welcomed the opening of the bridge which will put an end to a 3km (two-mile) detour they have had to make in Glen Sligachan.

The spanning of the Allt Dearg will also save walkers and climbers extra mileage as they head for the ridge.

A makeshift structure across the water was wrecked beyond repair last year.

Skye MRT leader Gerry Akroyd said: “When the old crossing was destroyed it caused an immediate safe access problem for the mountain rescue in some cases by adding a two-mile trek around to approach and descent.

“We are all therefore very pleased to have delivered this very satisfactory solution which saves a two-mile stretcher carry with a casualty.”

Highland Council access officer Donald Kennedy was instrumental in the replacement of the old structure after receiving complaints about its loss from the route into the Cuillin. He said: “I am delighted to see a bridge of this quality at a busy crossing point of Allt Dearg on the approach route to the Cuillins from Sligachan.

“The bridge helps make access to the hills easier and safer for visitors of all ages and abilities. It also benefits the area and its people by improving the facilities which enable people to enjoy the environment.”

The council worked with Scottish Natural Heritage, Sconser Community Council, the MacLeod Estate and the Army construction unit to get the bridge built. Councillor John Laing cut a tape to officially open the bridge. He said: “The completion of this bridge is a success story for the local community and for the partners who made it happen.

“The Cuillins draw visitors of all ages from near and far and this path leading up to the crossing of Allt Dearg is an important access route. Now we have a fine and very safe crossing it encourages visitors to get closer to the mountains and experience the magic of Skye and the Cuillins for themselves.”

Hugh Macleod of MacLeod Estate said: “We are very pleased to have been involved with this project which will hopefully attract more people to the Cuillins and enhance their experience of this world famous site.

“Macleod Estate values its close working relationship with the community and the partners who worked together to deliver this fine new bridge for future generations to enjoy.”

The Cuillin offers one of the toughest challenges to hillwalkers. The full, 11km (seven-mile) traverse of the ridge takes the best part of a day in good conditions, with difficult terrain and route finding, including much scrambling. The most difficult munro, the 986m (3,235ft) Inaccessible Pinnacle – Sgurr Dearg, is part of the ridge.