Reprieve for walkway closed at popular Merkinch Nature Reserve in Inverness
A popular boardwalk at the heart of a green oasis in Inverness is to be given a reprieve after being closed due to safety concerns.
The wooden walkway in Merkinch Local Nature Reserve was closed last week on the advice of the community-run project’s insurance company.
Although the ramp – which gives disabled access – is deemed to be dangerous and will remain closed, the rest of the structure will be repaired and reopened.
Ali Locke, chairman of the Friends of Merkinch Local Nature Reserve, said there was light at the end of the tunnel but warned funding was still needed to replace the walkway which is in the centre of the 54-hectare reserve.
“It is a stay of execution,” he said. “That section is 30 years old.”
Highland Council and Sustrans are looking into potential funding for the replacement of the structure estimated to cost at least £100,000.
The boardwalk, which is well used by visitors as well as a thoroughfare by people to access the canal and other nearby areas, has been targeted by vandals in the past.
Reserve manager Caroline Snow said it would be devastating if it had to close permanently.
“We have been liaising with people to try to find funding to get it replaced for a couple of years now,” she said.
“You patch one bit of it and then you patch another bit.
“But if you carry on doing that, some of it will become weak.”
News of its closure last week was greeted with dismay by local residents.
Some took to social media to suggest launching a fundraising campaign, or contacting local businesses for donations of materials or time to fix it.
Dominika Mo posted: “Isn’t it a bit ridiculous that the council doesn’t have funds for that but can build an unnecessary and expensive project at River Ness?”
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