Conon Bridge

Conon Bridge (Scottish Gaelic: Drochaid Sguideil, ) is a small village in the Highland region of Scotland. The current Gaelic name is likely a neologism: the bridge wasn't built until the early 19th century and some early gravestones show the name sgudal or scuddle. One suggested source is the Old Norse "sku dal", valley of the fine views.

Situated near the market town of Dingwall, on the southern bank of the River Conon, in Ross-shire, it is at the western end of the Cromarty Firth. The village of Maryburgh is on the other side of the river.

Conon Bridge formerly had a railway station on the line between Dingwall (the nearest town) and Inverness (the nearest city), which has been proposed as a candidate for reopening, after the success of doing so with nearby Beauly railway station. In September 2012 the Minister for Housing and Transport Keith Brown confirmed it would reopen by February 2013 to offer an alternative to commuters during resurfacing work on the Kessock Bridge from February to June 2013.

Given its excellent location, stunning scenery and that it is within commuting distance of Inverness, Conon Bridge has become an attractive and desirable place to live. Amenities at present are a small fraction of what they once were, hosting only a Spar shop, Post Office, two hairdressing salons, a bar and separate hotel. It also has its own primary school, which the pupils then go on to Dingwall Academy. There is also a recently opened pharmacy. Private housing in the village is complemented by council estates. Future plans for the village include more exclusive, private housing schemes, a new primary school, a doctors' surgery and more shopping facilities for residents.

Famous quotes containing the word bridge:

    Home! Yes! she would see Trafalgar Square, again; and Nelson on his plinth; and Chelsea Bridge as it dissolved into the Thames at twilight ... and St. Paul’s, the single Amazon breast of her beloved native city.
    Angela Carter (1940–1992)