The cost of building a causeway the Hebridean island of Berneray has fallen by over #2.5m, nearly a third of its original estimate.

There has been a long campaign by islanders for the causeway, which has been hit by funding rows. Ironically the go-ahead was only given last year after a funding deal was struck between the Western Isles Council and the Government.

The council had expected the 900-metre link and associated road works to cost #8.6m, but instead the bill has been reduced to around #6m thanks to a much lower tender on the actual sea-crossing causeway.

The project looked doomed last year after the Scottish Office refused to grant over #2m of additional borrowing consent.

But in September agreement was reached and the new deal announced by former Scottish Secretary Michael Forsyth when he visited the tiny island where Prince Charles has enjoyed two crofting holidays.

European funding of #4.3m pounds, plus more than #4m from the Western Isles Islands Council and the Government was found for the causeway.

It will link the island and its 140 residents with the nearby Uists, and replace existing ferry services which are subject to weather and tide conditions.

Council spokesman Nigel Scott said the cost of building the causeway had fallen by so much because the successful tender by John Fyffe Ltd for building purely the causeway was only #3.23m - nearly half of what had been expected.

But the real saving to the council is likely to be only around #1m, because European pound-for-pound funding will also be reduced.

''The low tender reflects a different type of rock to be used and the current competitive climate for contractors. Obviously we are delighted with the result,'' said Mr Scott.