It's 'As you were' on Bank Street, Inverness, as viewing platform site reinstated

Workmen were today replacing paving slabs on the Bank Street riverside at the spot earmarked for a controversial viewing platform.

Last Friday the Courier revealed that work appeared to have been put on hold after local government democracy campaigner Christine MacLean had expressed amazement that a separate planning permission had not come forward to councillors for approval.

"Surely a structure like this would require safety and accessibility assessments," she said.

The viewing platform or Rest Space is part of the riverside art project which has sparked anger among some locally.

Paving slabs had been lifted at the site but then work ceased until today, when the paving was being replaced, and the temporary safety fencing removed.

Last week Highland Council said it was considering planning advice given at the time of the River Ness flood prevention works in 1915, "in the light of the current context, taking into account risk and accessibility assessments and other new guidance.

"A report detailing advice and any recommended options will be provided to members for further consideration prior to the Rest Space project progressing to the next stage."

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