Council helps Community clear mud slide

Mud on pathway

A freak squall brought torrential rain and high winds down the Moray Firth on Saturday 21st May, the result of which caused the old Railway Line Path running between Avoch and Fortrose to flood with run off mud from the fields above.

Although the squall was short lived, it brought with it an unforeseen amount of rain water and the ditches and culverts along the path were completely overwhelmed by the volume of silt. The mud and debris made its way down the path and also over the top of the path onto the main A832 below.

Sarah Dunton, Chair of Avoch & Killen Community Council said:  “The path was in a terrible state, with mud at least 4” deep in places which continued for about 500 metres towards the gate at the Avoch end of the path. Mike Armitage, our Vice Chair alerted me of the problem and I contact Phil Waite, The Highland Council’s Access officer first thing on Monday morning.

“Phil and I have worked on a number of successful projects in the past and I was delighted when he was able to arrange for a contractor, GG Mackenzie to come out on the Thursday after the event, with a small digger to clear the path.

“GG Mackenzie made an excellent job of sensitively clearing the path and ditches. They also took preventative measures to try and ensure this would not happen again by banking up soil next to the ditch and creating new run offs for excess water on the path.

“The Avoch & Killen Community Council are extremely grateful to Phil Waite, The Highland Council, GG Mackenzie and Mr Messem, the site owner,  for collaborating together to achieve a successful outcome for all users of the Railway Line Path.”

Same area after the clean up - notice that even the dogs paws remain white!