Dornoch Firth Bridge

The Dornoch Firth Bridge is a road crossing that connects Tain and Dornoch across the water as part of the A9 route. The structure carries vehicle traffic along with dedicated footways and cycle tracks on either side of the main roadway.

The bridge opened in 1991 to replace the lengthy detour that previously required traveling via Bonar Bridge. This new connection shortened travel times and provided a more direct route for people moving between the two communities.

The bridge crossing location holds significance due to the 1809 Meikle Ferry disaster where 99 people lost their lives in these waters.

The A9 road runs across the entire structure with separate paths provided for pedestrians and cyclists. It is straightforward to cross by car, and those on foot will find the walkways easy to navigate in most conditions.

The bridge employs prestressed box girder technology with inclined support legs, an unusual design solution for spanning this water crossing. Causeways extending from both bridge ends connect to the land on either side and expand the overall structure beyond its visible main span.

Location: Highland

Official opening: August 1991

Length: 892 m

Width: 13.2 m

Made from material: prestressed concrete

GPS coordinates: 57.84450,-4.11086

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:02