Dun Eistein Bridge

Rebuilding Dun Eistein bridge remains in doubt

By Michael Morrison

Chairman Clan Morrison Society of North America

Twenty twenty-six is well underway, and I hope it's treating you well so far. Lately I have been receiving lots of update requests regarding the Dun Eistein bridge project. I wish I could give you better news.

As of now, we are waiting on the property owners and the local community to decide whether or not the bridge is worth saving. In 2001 the Clan Morrison Society of North America raised $50,000 to have the bridge built. It was agreed after the bridge was dedicated that the local community and the estate that the bridge sits on would provide custodial support. There was also a bank account opened with a meager amount to help with those costs.

A number of years ago the person with whom this deal was made, passed away. He neglected to pass on stewardship to the next person to take his place. As it stands now either the estate owner cannot afford or does not deem the bridge worth the estimated $100,000 it will cost to rebuild it.

We have told the estate owners that we do not feel that it is our responsibility to build them a bridge a second time. We have urged them to approach the local community and to try to get the locals involved.

We are researching government grants but have expressed that we believe it would be better for optics if the local community approaches the government about grants. It is my opinion that it would not look great for a society based in America to care more about the bridge than the community and land owners whose property it sits on.

We are in a holding pattern until the estate either finds funding or decides to demolish. Also, we have decided to hold off on collecting charitable funds for the bridge restoration project. This is a rather dreary update on the matter but it's not yet the end of the story for the Dun Eistein bridge.