Thorn Lighting designs sensitive safety-focused bridge lighting scheme in Glenrothes

  Posted by: electime      28th October 2026

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.

For more information on Thorn’s Contrast range, please visit  https://www.thornlighting.co.uk/en-gb/f/7937071