Bridge replacement to commence at Rogie Falls

Works for the replacement of the suspension footbridge at Rogie Falls near Contin starts today (Monday 26th March) and is expected to last eight weeks.

The Highland Council has appointed McGregor Construction (Highland) Ltd to undertake all aspects of removal of the existing footbridge and erection of a new steel and timber suspension footbridge costing £123,000.00.

The existing bridge, which is the responsibility of The Highland Council  was put in place around 1975.  Its replacement, based on the recommendations of structural engineers, will be funded through the Council’s capital programme.
The replacement is being implemented in partnership with Forestry Commission Scotland, which manages the surrounding woodland, and whose engineers have designed the replacement structure and will supervise installation.

The replacement bridge will have a slightly longer span, but a reduced gradient which, together with improvements to pedestrian approaches in the immediate vicinity of the bridge, including the removal of overhanging rock, will complement surrounding path improvements completed earlier last year by the Forestry Commission. The bridge design essentially replaces like with like in order to maintain the character of this popular Highland beauty spot.

For the duration of the works access across the River Blackwater at Rogie Falls will not be possible. However, access to the vicinity of the falls on either side of the river will remain open. For access to the west of the falls, parking will continue to be available at the car park off the A835 between Contin and Garve. For access to the east of the river, parking will continue to be available at the Forestry Commission’s Contin picnic site.

For their own safety, members of the public are advised to comply with all on site signage and site staff instructions.

Forestry Commission Scotland estimates annual visitor numbers to the site to be in excess of 65,000.