Bridge swings into action

New River Clyde crossing could create up to 1,400 jobs

- By Ben Borland

FOR hundreds of years, a ferry was the only link between the Clydeside communities of Renfrew and Yoker.

A 'right of ferry' dates back to medieval times and a regular service began in the early 1600s, originally from King's Inch now the site of the Braehead shopping centre.

The Victorian era saw the introduction of a steam-powered ferry, with a car ferry operating from the 1950s until 1984, when the current pedestrian service was introduced.

But now, for the first time, people can cross at this point on the River Clyde on a bridge - for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

The Renfrew Bridge was formally opened to the public yesterday at midday, following an official event on Thursday afternoon.