The final phase of the reconstruction of The Knab dyke has been completed with the laying of the last coping stone by Shetland Council Convener Sandy Cluness.

Work on this high profile project has spanned the last five years, including two principal phases – the realignment of the footpath and the reconstruction of the entire 600 metre length of the dyke itself. The overall project cost is around £423,000 and has been funded from the council's capital programme.

In 2005, council roads staff completed the relaying of the tarmac footpath, in advance of the repositioning of the new dyke. However, a major rock fall at The Knab in the spring of 2006 required a cliff stability survey to be undertaken. This resulted in additional work and changes to the proposed route of the footpath and dyke.

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The final phase of work on the dyke has been undertaken by Shetland Amenity Trust staff, who over the last 18 months have completed the work on time, within budget and to a very high standard.

Local labour and materials have been used throughout, including traditional lime mortar pointing, stone reclaimed from the existing wall, as well as stone from the Staney Hill. The dyke has been topped with around 5,000 coping stones from a quarry in Bressay, which have been individually hand finished.

The council's sport & leisure service has managed the project, since the need to replace the dyke was identified in 2003. The Knab dyke was constructed over a century ago and years of weathering and occasional acts of vandalism had led to safety concerns about the condition of the wall.

Convener Sandy Cluness said: "I am very glad to see the completion of this project on schedule and within budget. The Knab is a popular and scenic public area within Lerwick and the completion of this dyke will greatly enhance the site for many years to come."

John Mackenzie of Shetland Amenity Trust, principal contractor for the dyke reconstruction, added: "We are delighted to have been involved in this landmark project. This new wall should be here for at least another 100 years and provide a safe boundary for all who use and enjoy The Knab."

(GK/BMcC)