Upset over closure of historic Inverness bridge during Remembrance commemoration
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THE temporary closure of a historic Inverness bridge prevented people from attending the city's main Remembrance service and commemoration.
While hundreds gathered at the Cavell Gardens war memorial on Sunday afternoon, others were left on the opposite side of the River Ness following the closure of the Infirmary Bridge.
A Highland Council spokesman said the decision to close the 138-year-old B-listed footbridge for major events was taken on health and safety reasons as large numbers of people resulted in swaying and excessive movement of the structure.
"The health and safety of the public is paramount," he said. "With the knowledge that many people have used the Infirmary Bridge as a vantage point in previous years the difficult decision to close the Infirmary Bridge for this year’s Remembrance Parade was taken.
“The restrictions on the use of the bridge are in place whilst the council assesses work required to restore full use.
"In the event that the restrictions apply to events held at Cavell Gardens in future, every practicable step will be taken to reduce any inconvenience caused.”
Paul Wilson, chairman of the Inverness branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland, said he only became aware afterwards that some people had been unable to make it across to Cavell Gardens.
"Some people said they were not happy they had been stopped but others said they got a better vantage point of the whole parade because they were not caught up in the crowds," he said.
But he hoped the issue could be resolved and arrangements put in place so there was not a repetition next year.
"I don't know how many the bridge is designed to hold," he said. "Certainly, it is not designed for hundreds."
