Kessock Bridge safety checks by engineers afloat

SAFETY checks on the Kessock Bridge were carried out this week by a team of floating engineers.

The squad wearing hi-viz suits and lifejackets were floated out from Inverness harbour on board the workboat Equinox to clamber on to the heavy duty "buffers" constructed round the bridge’s four main concrete and steel uprights.

The buffers are designed to prevent damage to the uprights in the event of a large vessel drifting off course and colliding with them.

A spokeswoman for BEAR Scotland, which is responsible for the Kessock Bridge maintenance, said: "We currently have a team of specialist engineers carrying out a routine survey of the steel impact fenders on Kessock Bridge.

"In order for the works to be completed, the teams worked by boat to research the area underneath the bridge, and carried out a series of detailed assessments over Tuesday and Wednesday.

"These surveys occur every five years and help us to ensure the bridge continues to operate safely and to the highest standard."

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