A £10,000 project begun by Fife Council has resulted in restoration of the ornate railings lining the footpaths leading to the historic bridge over the main east coast railway line at Cupar station.
The year-long project was co-ordinated and part funded by the council’s transportation service, with remaining funding coming from Network Rail and a £4000 grant from the Railway Heritage Trust.
Fife Council planner Matthew Price said weathering over the years had revealed layers of flaking paint in lurid turquoise and orange.
“This was compounded by vehicle damage and vandalism which had left sections bent, broken and missing.
“I think the end result is fantastic and it will provide the right first impression for all those who visit Cupar” he said.
Negotiations on the project started in 2008 with Network Rail Scotland, and the work took a year to complete due to issues with multiple ownership.
Mr Price said research had been undertaken about a suitable colour, and Historic Scotland was approached for guidance.
The final choice was green, and the protective paint system was applied by Fife contractor Hytec Services.
It is similar to that used on offshore facilities and the Forth Rail Bridge, and has a durability of 25 years.
The ornate iron railings are a significant feature of the Category B listed bridge, which was designed by Thomas Grainger in 1846.
The ashlar masonry structure comprises a central semi-elliptical arch flanked by semi-circular arches with striking raised voussoirs and battlemented turrets at parapet level.
Image used under Creative Commons licence courtesy of Wikimedia Commons user Euchiasmus.