A £4.5 million viaduct refurbishment project in the Scottish Highlands is starting to take shape.

The scheme at Findhorn viaduct in Tomatin is being carried out as part of Network Rail's UK wide Railway Upgrade Plan.

Over the last 18 months, the 405-metre grade B-listed structure has been grit blasted, cleaned, repaired and repainted.

Specialist contractor Taziker Industrial worked alongside Network Rail's engineers to deliver the scheme, which saw the bridge 'encapsulated' to provide the right working environment in the exposed location, as well as to stop any contaminants from leaking into the air and river below – particularly during grit blasting.

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Jeremy Spence, Network Rail project manager for Findhorn viaduct, said: "We are just about to complete work on what has been a fantastic project to repair and refurbish this spectacular viaduct.

"We take seriously our responsibility to maintain and preserve these historic structures, not just for the safe and efficient operation of the railway, but also how they look in their setting for those travelling on the railway or visitors to the area enjoying the beautiful views.

"It is hard to imagine a more stunning location for a bridge and the experience of working here over the last 18 months has been tremendous. It gives you great respect for those who built this structure more than a century ago and we hope that our work on their bridge does justice to the legacy that we have been left by the Victorian railway pioneers."

The scaffolding will be removed and the site compound cleared by the end of October.

(LM)