New signs at danger falls to be up by April
Assurance given over spot where student drowned
Assurances have been given that new warning signs at a dangerous beauty spot near Callander will be put up by Easter.
SNP councillor for Trossachs and Teith Evelyn Tweed recently asked for an update on when and what safety measures could be expected to be put in place at Bracklinn Falls in the near future.
In recent years there have been four incidents where people got themselves into difficulty at the popular tourist location.
A group was set up last year including police, fire, search and rescue, national park and council officials in a bid to tackle safety issues following the drowning of 23 year-old Eilidh McNab.
This week Councillor Tweed said she had written to council officials requesting an update.
“They advised that the working group has reviewed the proposed improvement to signage whereby two existing signs will be updated and additional new signage will also be added,” she said.
“The national park has agreed the wording of the signage and will install it on site. The signage is being ordered and it looks likely that it will be installed by Easter.”
Extensive debate has ensued about how to tackle the issue of buoyancy aids at the site, which have a history of being stolen or going missing.
However, it seems the group now feels more such equipment at the site may cause over reliance, further confusion or even encourage people to enter the water.
Councillor Tweed added: “It was further advised after analysis of potential buoyancy aids that it was the view of the group, that there would be nothing suitable for this location and an aid would more likely lead to more casualities if someone untrained tried to use it.
“I am glad to see that the agencies involved in the working group have considered what measures are needed quickly at this site and the likelihood that they will be in place for Easter when the site is likely to be more busy again.
“It is really important that this timescale is met to ensure the public feel safe here given recent events. I look forward to seeing the new signage in place in time for the Easter break.”
Eilidh McNab drowned last August at Bracklinn Falls despite frantic efforts to rescue her from the water. She was pronounced dead at the scene while her 25 yearold friend was pulled to safety and escaped injury.
It later emerged that there was a lack of clarity over who was responsible for implementing improved signage and safety provision at the spot.
Last summer Stirling Council urged river users to report misuse of life-saving rings on the Teith and Forth rivers following a string of thefts.
At the time the council had 39 life rings deployed across sections of the Forth and Teith where it has fishing rights and management responsibility. Loss of equipment in the Stirling fishery area was close to 40 rings between June and September last year, with some having to be replaced daily.