Fears for historic Killiecrankie footbridge after Storm Desmond damage

A historic Highland Perthshire footbridge, which was extensively damaged by Storm Desmond, has been shut by the National Trust amid fears it could soon come crashing down.

Walkers have been warned that the green bridge at Killiecrankie is now out of action while engineers work on it.

The popular crossing was badly damaged when the region was battered by strong winds and torrential downpours three weeks ago.

During the storm, several homes at nearby Blair Atholl were evacuated in the early hours when the River Garry bursts its banks, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Properties in Perth, Bridge of Earn and Glenfarg were also hit while many roads were left under water.

The National Trust for Scotland’s Ben Notley said: “Following the heavy rain during Storm Desmond early in the month, we became concerned about the state of the remains of the 18th Century bridge that used to cross the south end of the Pass of Killiecrankie.”

A diversion is now in place using a bridge over the railway line and then the Garry Road Bridge.