THERE can be few stronger symbols of togetherness than a new bridge connecting communities and overcoming the barriers which once kept them apart.

But the opening of the Sighthill Bridge across the M8 is not just about powerful symbolism. It also shows what can be achieved when governments work together.

The hugely impressive structure, which has been described as a “street in the sky”, links Sighthill with the city centre. It will also benefit neighbouring communities in the north of Glasgow and is an important part of our ambitious plans to bring prosperity to the area.

READ MORE:Glasgow's new Sighthill Bridge officially opens

Part of the £250 million transformation of Sighthill, it is one of the largest urban regeneration programmes ever seen in the UK.

It will boost connectivity across the city for pedestrians, cyclists and wheelers, bringing social and economic benefits to the city centre, Sighthill and surrounding areas. 

The bridge has been funded through the Glasgow City Region Deal, an ambitious partnership that is delivering 21 infrastructure projects with £500m each from the UK and Scottish governments.

The bridge shows how this partnership is working for the people of Glasgow and also supporting the broader regeneration of Sighthill – bringing almost 1000 high-quality new homes being built for sale and rent, a new community school campus and another new road bridge across the railway connecting the community with Port Dundas.

This collaboration across the UK, Scottish and local government exemplifies how building bridges – rather than barriers – delivers for Scotland.