The Skye Bridge in Scotland opened on October 16, 1995. It quickly earned the title of the world’s most expensive bridge to cross. Scottish firm Miller, German engineering company DYWIDAG Systems International, and Arup built the sweeping concrete arch that connects the Misty Isle of Skye to the mainland.
The bridge links the mainland to Eilean Bàn, a tiny island, before reaching Skye. The ‘White Island’ (Eilean Bàn) plays a key role, housing a lighthouse and the Maxwell museum that honours Ring of Bright Water author Gavin Maxwell. Before the bridge, locals depended on ferries from Kyle of Lochalsh to Kyleakin, often waiting long hours during busy seasons.
Skye Bridge Tolls Sparked Outrage
The bridge improved travel, but locals immediately erupted in outrage over the tolls. Charges began at 40 pence and quickly soared to £11.40, making it Europe’s most expensive bridge. Locals joked, “The only place you get mugged and get a receipt.” The sharp increase in tolls led locals to create Skye Bridge Against Tolls (SKAT), a protest group that labelled the fees unfair.
Campaigners exposed that the operating company collected over £33 million, while yearly maintenance costs just £3.5 million. The protests captured national attention and continued for years, as campaigners persistently pushed the issue into the spotlight.
Protesters Force Authorities to Scrap Tolls
The bridge improved travel, but locals immediately erupted in outrage over the tolls. Authorities set charges at 40p but quickly raised them to £11.40, making the Skye Bridge Europe’s most expensive crossing. Locals repeatedly joked, “The only place you get mugged and get a receipt.” The steep rise in tolls drove residents to form Skye Bridge Against Tolls (SKAT), a protest group that loudly condemned the unfair charges.
Campaigners continuously exposed the operating company for collecting over £33 million in tolls while spending only £3.5 million annually on maintenance. The relentless protests grabbed national headlines, as campaigners fiercely pushed the issue into the media spotlight and sustained public pressure for several years.
