Works to remove a rock fall at Rogie Falls footbridge near Contin are due to take place next week.

Following advice from professional engineers, the bridge has been closed to the public since 21 March and will remain closed, until further notice, while loose rock is removed.

Commenting on the proposed works at the bridge Ann Hackett, Principal Projects Officer with The Highland Council’s Planning and Development Service said: “The rock fall has now been assessed by a geotechnical engineer. Specialist techniques are required to break up the rock with least risk of damage to the bridge and its anchor points and we anticipate that this work will be undertaken next week. We are cautiously optimistic that the bridge will be safe to open again once the rock fall is removed, but this is not certain at this stage. We aim to be in a position to reassess the situation next week.”

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The footbridge is located two miles to the west of Contin and is accessed mainly from the Forestry Commission Scotland car park on the A835. The bridge provides views of the Rogie Falls and access for walkers across the River Blackwater, both of which are popular with visitors and locals.

The footbridge was closed for public safety after a large block of rock was dislodged from the facing banking and came to rest against the main stay cable support columns of the footbridge.

The forest area is owned and managed by the Forestry Commission Scotland, while the bridge is the responsibility of The Highland Council.

(GK)