More join call for speedy bridge fix
Outdoor enthusiasts have backed a call for repairs to be carried out on a popular footbridge over the River Ericht as soon as possible.
The Keathbank Bridge, between Keathbank Mill and Oakbank Mill in Blairgowrie, has been closed to the public since it sustained damage during the severe weather experienced during Storm Babet in October last year.
Also known as the Army Bridge, the structure was previously well-used by both locals and visitors alike and forms a key link in a popular circular walking route.
Last week’s Blairie featured an appeal by Blairgowrie and Glens councillor Caroline Shiers for PKC to provide an update on any planned progress.
The Conservative elected member said: “The footbridge is an iconic bridge in east Perthshire, well-used as a circular walking route and, indeed, much-loved.
“For it to be closed off for this period of time, with no timescale for it to be re-opened, and, indeed, no regular updates, is causing disappointment – to put it mildly.”
Elizabeth Chisholm, the access officer for Blairgowrie and District Ramblers Association, agreed and said: “Passing through beautiful woodland beside gently flowing water before it cascades through the dramatic narrow rocks of Cargill’s Leap, a walk along the River Ericht is one of the jewels in Blairgowrie’s crown.
“The footbridge forms an important pedestrian link between Blairgowrie and Rattray and is also a vital link in the circular walking route frequented by both locals and visitors to the area.
“I would like to reinforce calls for feedback regarding the timescale and the nature of future remedial work required to make this renowned bridge safe for use again.”
Ian Richards, of Blairgowrie and District Hillwalking Club, added: “It’s a great pity that the army is no longer able to support local projects such as the Keathbank footbridge – had they still been active in the community I’m sure that they would have had the repairs completed weeks ago.
“The bridge is a very significant asset to local residents, both to those merely seeking an interesting shortcut from Rattray to Blairgowrie and to those who enjoy walking our wonderful network of paths.
“It has allowed walkers to enjoy a circular walk along one side of the Ericht and back along the opposite side and must have inspired both local and visiting walkers to learn something of the industrial heritage of the town, as well as to enjoy the beauty of the river and its banks, at close quarters.
“Those walking across the bridge enjoy spectacular views of the river itself as well as a better understanding of the power of the river and how this was harnessed to drive the machinery within the earlier mills.
“Those who enjoy following our network of footpaths currently miss this enjoyable link that joins routes provided by the long-established Perth and Kinross Council Blairgowrie footpath guide and the new Rattray guide launched last year by the community.
“The river is the town’s greatest asset and enjoyed by both locals and visitors, the footbridge forms a centrepiece to many of the riverside walks and is very much more than simply a means of crossing the river. “It is an attraction in its own right.” Ian Stokes, a walk leader with Perth Ramblers, said: “I recently led a walk which would have used the Keathbank footbridge had it been open.
“The route we took was from Blairgowrie via the Cateran Trail as far as Lornty Bridge and then up the old military road, before returning down the closed section of the A93 over the old Bailey Bridge and back to Blairgowrie via the berry fields and Bramblebank Mill.
“We would have crossed the footbridge for a pleasant return into Blair but, of course, had to re-join the A93 to complete our walk.
“I do hope the bridge is repaired and re-opened.
“It would be even more useful as a link if the well-used path on the east side of the river alongside Bramblebank Mill were to be better signed and become a core path.
“This path avoids the worst of the two pavement-less sections of the A93 within the 30mph zone.
“I would imagine that the Keathbank Bridge closure has had a big impact on the residents of that part of Rattray.
“However, as a link for longer walks, its current closure is a real hindrance to ramblers and walkers.
“The alternative along the A93 isn’t particularly pleasant.”
A PKC spokesperson said: “The timescale for re-opening will be dependent on procurement of an appropriate contractor, any external permissions we require before any works are carried out, and the ground conditions.
“We will ensure that the local community, and elected members for the area, will be kept updated on progress with the re-opening of the footbridge.”