Skye bridge

I recently finished this piece as a birthday present for my daughter. She lives many miles away in England but loves to visit Skye whenever she can. The Skye bridge is a very familiar landmark and whenever I see it looming through the mist I know I am almost back on the Island!

The skye bridge opened in 1995. Before then the only way to the Island was by ferry. You may have heard the famous Skye boat song.

Speed bonnie boat like a bird on the wing
"Onward" the sailors cry
Carry the lad that's born to be king
Over the sea to Skye
  
 The bridge opening caused a huge amount of controversy as tolls charged to cross were the most expensive in Europe! A local protest group called Skat ( Skye and Lochalsh against tolls) fought tirelessly to have the tolls removed some even going to prison because of their refusal to pay the toll charges. the toll was abolished in 2004.

I think it is a very beautiful bridge. The old ferry was romantic but often frustrating with traffic queues and cancellations when the often stormy weather closed the crossing. So I thought I would do a small tribute to this very famous landmark.

 Collaged onto a piece of recycled floorboard.

If you look closely you can see I added fairy lights to the bridge. ( the bridge doesn't have fairy lights, I think it should though! )

I have also used lots of bright coloured papers.

Lots of gesso.

And had lots of fun :)

Linking to paint party friday