Talks underway over Kessock Bridge closures as Police Scotland and Highland Council seek to reassure public
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Police Scotland and Highland Council are seeking to reassure the public that work is underway to find a solution for repeated closures of the Kessock Bridge.
Already this year, two serious police incidents on the major A9 link across the Beauly Firth have caused chaos through gridlock in and around Inverness with huge tailbacks on either side of the bridge.
Among the moves being considered is improved CCTV cameras on the bridge along with a feasibility study commissioned by Transport Scotland into physical options for bridge safety.
With public safety the primary concern during such incidents, some motorists were stuck in vehicles for up to six hours during the incidents on January 5 and 6.
There were also an increasing number of ‘concern for person’ incidents towards the end of last year.
RELATED: Kessock Bridge closed again due to police incident
Referring to the recent bridge closures, the police and council issued a joint briefing today aimed at reassuring the public that multi-agency work was ongoing to deliver long-term solutions.
Superintendent Jenny Valentine, chair of the Highland Suicide Prevention Steering Group, said: “It is important to address every incident which has led to the closure of the Kessock Bridge on its own terms.
“There are a unique set of circumstances behind every single instance and it is important that a number of different agencies consider the factors involved, in order to deliver long-term solutions and to ensure individuals involved get the support they require.
“A group of partner agencies, including Police Scotland, NHS Highland, Highland Council, Transport Scotland, BEAR Scotland, RNLI, Mikeysline, Samaritans, James’s Support Group and Public Health Scotland have been meeting regularly to consider these issues and discuss possible solutions.
“This work is ongoing and these meetings will continue to ensure a connected and sustainable approach with each partner bringing their own expertise to the table.
“A number of approaches are being considered and being actively progressed including a feasibility study commissioned by Transport Scotland into physical options for bridge safety and improved CCTV cameras on the bridge.
“This is alongside work by the wider Suicide Prevention Steering Group to ensure that individuals can access the right support at the right time”
Chief Inspector Judy Hill, Inverness area commander, added: “We are acutely aware of the impact that closing the Kessock Bridge has on the wider community in Inverness and the surrounding area. It is not something that is done lightly.
“However, it is essential to ensure the safety of everyone involved when responding to an incident on the bridge.
“We appreciate the support and understanding of the wider public and know they share in our desire to deliver sustainable long term solutions.”
Highland Council Leader Raymond Bremner said: “The Highland Council shares the concerns expressed by the wider community about the incidents that have led to the recent closures of the Kessock Bridge.
“We are working with our partners to develop solutions to help the individuals involved get the support they need but also to address the impact the closure of the bridge is having on the wider community.
“Work is ongoing and we hope to share potential solutions with the wider public in the coming weeks.
“We do thank the wider public for their ongoing compassion and understanding.”
The Council and police also issued a reminder of help available to people:
Samaritans
Day or night, 365 days a year. Call for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
SAMH:
If you're worried they're thinking about suicide, ask them about suicide. ‘Ask Them About Suicide’ isn’t just about asking ‘how are you feeling?’, ‘are you ok?’ or ‘are you sure?’. It is about being braver than that. It is about trusting our gut, digging deep, and finding the courage within ourselves to ask the questions we’re afraid of. Ask Them About Suicide | SAMH
Shaped by people who have been affected by suicide, we hope this campaign will help to create a culture where people can talk openly and honestly about suicide, and find support when they need it.
Highland Mental Wellbeing - Crisis Help and Support- A collection of resources to support mental wellbeing (scot.nhs.uk)
If you or someone else is feeling extremely distressed you should call 999 or go straight to A+E. If the crisis is not life threatening call the GP or NHS 24 on 111.
Prevent Suicide – Highland app
This easy to use app helps you safety plan should you ever find yourself in distress, feeling hopeless or suicidal in the future. Available on Google Play for Android devices and the Apple App Store for iPhone and iPad.
