Thorn Lighting has worked with Fife Council to deliver a sensitive new lighting
scheme for Glenrothes’ iconic White Bridge. Developed in response to ongoing
safety concerns, the project combines architectural lighting with carefully considered
illumination designed to improve visibility around the structure while supporting
wider public safety objectives.
Thorn Lighting has collaborated with Fife Council on a carefully considered lighting
scheme for Glenrothes’ White Bridge, an iconic local landmark spanning the town’s
central ravine.
The refurbishment project was developed in response to ongoing safety and anti-
social behaviour concerns associated with the structure after dark. Working closely
with council representatives and external stakeholders, Thorn Lighting helped
develop a dynamic lighting scheme designed to encourage greater footfall and
activity across the bridge environment while improving visibility and awareness
around the structure.
While the bridge had previously been unlit, the new scheme introduces dynamic
architectural illumination to the bridge spires alongside carefully positioned lighting
directed into the ravine below. The aim was not only to improve the appearance and
visibility of the structure after dark, but also to create greater spatial awareness of
the surrounding environment.
Derick Ramsay, Key Account Manager at Thorn Lighting, explains:
“From the outset, this project required a very considered approach. The discussions
were always centred around safety, sensitivity and understanding how lighting could
positively contribute to the environment around the bridge. It was important that the
scheme remained respectful while still delivering the visibility and impact the council
wanted to achieve.”
Developing a bespoke lighting solution
A key part of the brief was the development of a presence-responsive lighting
scheme capable of subtly highlighting activity on the bridge after dark. Working
closely with the project stakeholders, Thorn Lighting helped develop a dynamic
solution designed to react to movement on the structure, increasing visual
awareness while maintaining a calm and respectful appearance.
During normal operation, the bridge spires remain illuminated in white light. When a
pedestrian approaches from either side of the bridge and activates a PIR sensor, a
temporary decorative lighting sequence is triggered across the spires while
additional illumination beneath the bridge is activated for a short period.
The intention was to create a more interactive and engaging public environment that
would encourage greater footfall and activity across the bridge after dark, while also
increasing awareness of the surrounding ravine and wider environment.
One of the key technical challenges involved illuminating the bridge’s two distinctive
spires. With no existing fixing points available, Thorn Lighting worked closely with its
fabrication team to develop bespoke clamp brackets capable of securely supporting
the luminaires without compromising the structure.
Thorn Contrast RGBW DMX floodlights were selected to provide dynamic
architectural lighting to the bridge itself, while additional Contrast 3000K DMX
luminaires were used to illuminate areas below the structure.
The flexibility of the DMX-controlled system allows lighting scenes and colour
settings to be adapted when required, enabling the bridge to support civic events
and awareness campaigns while maintaining a restrained day-to-day appearance.
Andrew Wishart, Technician Engineer – Roads and Lighting Contracts at Fife
Council, comments:
“The council wanted a solution that balanced practicality, sensitivity and visual
impact. Thorn Lighting understood the nature of the brief from the beginning and
worked collaboratively with us to develop a scheme that addressed both the
technical and environmental challenges of the site.”
Supporting the wider environment
Rather than approaching the scheme solely as an architectural lighting project, the
final solution was designed to positively influence how the space is experienced and
used after dark.
By increasing visibility and spatial awareness across the structure and surrounding
ravine, the lighting highlights the scale and surroundings of the site after dark. The
project also gives renewed prominence to one of Glenrothes’ most recognisable
landmarks.