INDEPENDENCE supporters should back calls for a bridge connecting Scotland and Ireland, according to the leading architect behind the idea.

Writing in The National today, in response to comments made by some of our readers who criticised his proposal, Professor Alan Dunlop calls for Nicola Sturgeon to work with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on a feasibility study.

He insisted the engineering know-how exists and the crossing would foster closer relations between Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic – Scotland’s closest EU neighbour.

Dunlop said: “Two years ago, in this newspaper, I mooted the possibility of a bridge linking Scotland to Northern Ireland and gave two possible options, the first linking Portpatrick to Larne, the second the Mull of Kintyre to Torr Head. I investigated precedent and offered examples of other challenging bridge, transportation and infrastructure projects built throughout the world since 2000. I also gave costs.

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“Since then, there has been much debate about the physical challenges of delivering such a project – now settled – there being both the proven design and engineering skill and experience in Scotland and internationally to complete such a crossing.

“There has been discussion about the likely economic benefit – agreed now as positive – on the basis of increased connectivity and trade, and much comment on the cultural gain to be had from closer links between our two countries, sharing as we do a rich heritage and a recent aversion to leaving the EU.”

Dunlop added: “As an architect, I have tried to stay clear of the sometimes tendentious politics, despite accusations of being both a Unionist and a Scottish Nationalist ... a Celtic Crossing would be positive wherever you stand on the political divide. Supporters of independence should welcome the idea, for it offers Scotland the potential for closer ties with Northern Ireland and Eire and ... a stronger connection with the EU. It would demonstrate the Westminster Government’s declared commitment to spread development benefit throughout the UK.”

Dunlop’s previous calls have prompted criticism that the plan would be a waste of money. He has estimated the bridge would cost about £15 billion.

Varadkar said last month: “I know people dismiss these things out of hand, but they used to dismiss the Channel Tunnel as well ... and I know what I see when I see a bridge tunnel between Denmark and Sweden ... when you fly over New Orleans and you see 110 miles of bridge, it’s extraordinary. I think we need to at least check out if this is viable and how much it would cost.”

However, he said his focus was on improving existing infrastructure, such as a high-speed rail link connecting Dublin, Belfast and Cork.