KYLE OF LOCHALSH, SCOTLAND.- The contraversial Skye Bridge spans the gap between the scottish island and the mainland, December 9, 2004 at the Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland. Ever since its construction the bridge has inspired controversy with vociferous arguments suggesting that a solid link would fundamentally alter island life.

THE Scottish Executive is preparing to announce that tolls on the Skye bridge will be removed by the end of the year, bringing to an end Scotland's first private finance initiative. Abolition of the "discredited" toll regime has been the declared intent of ministers since the last Holyrood election, and a negotiating team has been at work for months, but not everyone thought it could be done.