A landslip that has cut off access to a popular tourist spot in east Perthshire has been branded a “complete disaster” by a councillor, with its repair set to cost “several hundred thousand” pounds.
Councillor Caroline Shiers, one of the representatives for the Blairgowrie and the Glens ward, told The Courier that the estimated 600-tonne landslip on Oakbank Road, Blairgowrie, which took place in January, could have implications for those wanting to go to Cargill’s Leap and use the Cateran Trail.
Due to the landslip and possible safety concerns, Perth and Kinross Council has put up barriers and is in the process of trying to find a solution, which could lead to an area of the slippage being dug up and netting laid to prevent further damage.
Ms Shiers feels that Perth and Kinross Council will have to spend a “considerable sum” on upgrading the car park, paths and drainage, and on the promotion of the Cateran Trail.
She described the area as Blairgowrie’s “jewel in the crown” and claims the “key job” will be to secure the area and prevent any further slippage.
“We will need to see what the outcome of the report from an engineer is,” she said.
“I very much hope there may be some options to prevent further damage, stabilise what is there and, hopefully, get the path reopened. The council may have to spend an absolute fortune on repairing this landslip.
“The landslip is at the riverside on Oakbank Road, which is a track, and the council have now put a fence up, but this is a huge concern it’s a complete disaster.”
Ms Shiers said she is concerned for tourist implications for both Cargill’s Leap and the Cateran Trail.
“The track up to Cargill’s Leap is a much- loved road this area is a popular tourist attraction,” she added.
“By putting a fence up, access is closed. This will affect tourism in the area and is a huge concern. Many residents have contacted me and the whole issue is about to publicly explode.”
Councillor Bob Ellis is chairman of Blairgowrie and East Perthshire Tourist Association and of Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust, as well as a keen hill walker. He said he was “disappointed” that the council has had to “take the stance” of putting up barriers in Oakbank Road, but understands they had to, due to health and safety issues.
“We don’t want any mishap or anyone to fall here,” he commented.
“It’s very unfortunate this has happened. One of the solutions I put would have involved bringing heavy machinery in to the area, but we will now get another engineer’s report and as soon as that has been completed, which may be within two weeks, we will discuss it and try to find a solution.”
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said: “The council has had to erect permanent fencing to protect members of the public from dangerous landslips. The more recent of the landslips followed an extended period of heavy rain and led to the loss of a large section of pathway.
“Unfortunately, there is insufficient space between the steep bank and crumbling road edge for safe use and the erosion at both locations is still active.
“The council very much regrets having to close this route but it has been unavoidable due to the health and safety risks. We hope the public understands the reasons for the closure, and respect the difficult decision that has been made.
“However, the council does not own the land and the nature of the river and material in the bank mean that any solution, if at all possible, is likely to cost several hundred thousand pounds.”