THE beauty of an historic bridge in the centre of Dumbarton is set to be highlighted as plans are being made to light it up at night.

Dumbarton Bridge which was built from stone in 1765 is the oldest bridge which crosses the River Leven. It is set to be given a new lease of life if plans by West Dunbartonshire Council to illuminate it get the go-ahead.

Plans have already been developed to light-up the bridge and now the council is seeking the necessary approvals from Historic Scotland and planning permission as quickly as possible.

It is hoped that the approvals will be in place and the work carried out in time for the bridge to be illuminated for the first time at some point this year.

The bridge illumination will come as a free community benefit extending from council’s contract to roll-out of new street lighting across the area which started in 2014.

The company behind the work, MacLean Electrical, has offered to work with Philips Lighting to install an energy efficient lighting system for the bridge.

The council have revealed an artist's impression of how the bridge is expected to look once the work is completed.

MacLean Electrical has been the main supplier of the energy efficient lights in the council roll-out which involves the installation of more than 16,000 LED street lights.

Councillor Patrick McGlinchey, convener of Infrastructure and Regeneration at West Dunbartonshire Council, said: “I am delighted that this historic bridge is going to be lit up in this way. It will look really spectacular when it is illuminated and will add more character to the area. We can see from the initial designs how the bridge could look and I’m now looking forward to seeing it introduced.”

Councillor David McBride, vice-convener of Infrastructure and Regeneration, said: “This is another fantastic example of the council working closely with contractors to deliver real benefits to the area. It is important that contractors give back to the community during major projects and I’m delighted that MacLean Electrical and Philips Lighting will work together to light up the magnificent Dumbarton Bridge which links the west end with the town centre.”

John Brown was the architect of Dumbarton Bridge which initially had five arches but shortly after it was built one of its piers sunk in to the river bed. A report by a Yorkshire engineer in May 1768, suggested that a new pier be built on top and be as light as possible to prevent further movement.

The category 'B' listed structure was widened in 1884 when steel and cast iron cantilever footpaths were added to either side, and reconstructed in 1934 when the balustrade was added to it.

The bridge had further work carried out on it between 2001 and 2005 at a cost of £1.75m. The stone balustrades were replaced by machined concrete ones during this makeover.