Walkway at Merkinch Nature Reserve in Inverness is closed due to safety fears
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A popular boardwalk at the heart of a green oasis in Inverness has been closed after being deemed to be potentially dangerous.
Parts of the wooden walkway in Merkinch Local Nature Reserve are in disrepair but with funding unavailable, the community-run project has been advised by its insurance company to close it.
It is estimated the cost of replacing the structure could be at least £100,000 prompting fears the closure could become permanent which would be a devastating blow, according to supporters of the reserve who are calling for a fundraising campaign to be launched.
Ali Locke, chairman of the Friends of Merkinch Local Nature Reserve, said talks are continuing with the insurance company to clarify whether the entire section of the boardwalk has to be closed or just a ramp which has badly deteriorated and has also been the target of vandals in the past.
"At the moment, we don't have the money to repair it or replace it," he said.
"I am extremely worried if we can't get the money.
"We would be absolutely gutted if we have to close it permanently.
"It will be devastating."
The boardwalk is in the centre of the 54-hectare reserve and is well used by visitors as well as a thoroughfare by people to access the canal and other nearby areas.
"We have repaired it and repaired it and repaired it," Mr Locke said.
"It is now getting to the state where we need a fair bit of money to get the ramp repaired or remove it.
Reserve manager Caroline Snow also feared the boardwalk could become closed indefinitely.
"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."
Miss Snow is continuing to talk to the insurance company to clarify whether the entire boardwalk has to be closed.
"It would be a terrible shame but unfortunately things don't last forever," she said.
"The most important thing is people's safety.
"We don't want any accidents.
"The ramp is the worst part of it.
"That is certainly what is going to be closed off. Hopefully, we can keep the rest open."
In the meantime, people are being urged to use the Snakey Path instead.
The announcement has been greeted with dismay by local residents and visitors with some taking to social media to call for a fundraising campaign.
Katrina McKinlay said: "How much does something like this cost? Can a funding page be set up?"
Another agreed and said:"What about getting a team together and contacting local businesses etc to see if they would be willing to donate materials etc or time to fix it."
Dominika Mo, posted: "Isn't it a bit ridiculous that council doesn't have funds for that but can build unnecessary and expensive project at River Ness? So sad to hear."
The impact caused by vandals was highlighted by Kirsteen Watson.
"Things need to be done to stop the vandalism and kids on motorbikes and quads speeding round the fields, reservoir area and front path."
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