Lengthier journeys after road damaged in storms

Perthshire residents still dealing with aftermath of extreme weather

Communities across Perthshire are still picking up the pieces almost two weeks on from the dramatic lightning storms that swept the region.

The C414 Pathstruie to Path of Condie road remains out of use near Ardargie, adding up to 20 minutes on to journeys to Dunning.

Council bosses had hoped to fix damage to a culvert on Friday but the problem was found to be more serious than first thought.

One local said the closure was adding up to 20 minutes on to journeys to Dunning, adding: “It’s going to take a serious amount of money to repair.

“Cars were still trying to go through during the storm and there must have only been inches of road supporting them. If it had been the wrong vehicle, it could have been gone for good.”

A council spokesperson said the storm of August 11-12 caused significant damage to the Culteuchar culvert on the C414 and the road is closed in the interests of public safety until repairs can be made.

“Engineers were due to install a temporary bridge on Friday 21 August but further deterioration of the culvert means additional work will be necessary,” said the spokesman.

“Engineering officers are meeting with contractors to determine necessary measure required to continue to safeguard the public.

“Estimated dates for reopening will be determined at the earliest opportunity.”

Nearby, Forgandenny’s Station Road remains shut after a significant chunk of asphalt washed away, exposing a gaping hole.

Residents need to pass through the adjacent Strathallan School grounds.

A school spokesperson said: “We always endeavour to be good neighbours to those living in and around Forgandenny.

“It was agreed that we would not close one of our vehicular gates to ensure that

“It’s going to take a serious amount of money to repair

any residents trapped by a local road made impassable by the recent weather are able to transit through school grounds if necessary.

“So far, this has had little-to-no impact on the school’s day-to-day business. We have asked that the repairs to the damaged road are given high priority so that we can reduce transiting traffic.”

Almond and Earn councillor Henry Anderson said: “This was rain of biblical proportions. We could have more of this in future due to climate change.

“When infrastructure fails, we need to build it back better than before.”

Picture: Dougie Nicolson. A chunk of asphalt has been washed away at Station Road, Forgandenny.