Blocked by rubble

“There have been various articles about the Law Tunnel and I would like to pass on some information which may be helpful,” writes James T. Colville.

“In 1829, the tunnel was completed; 1832 – steam engine and incline start operation; 1861 – steam engine and incline ceased operation. 1910 – tunnel in use by Scottish Mushroom Co.; 1940s – tunnel modified for use as air raid shelter.

“The North Portal of the tunnel was demolished and blocked by rubble, to allow building work on a new housing site.

“In March 1982 an inspection of the site, which was the old tennis courts, was carried out by Tayside Region staff because of the collapse of the north west wall which supported the back garden of a property in Fingask Street.

“The old engine house had collapsed, due to water penetration, and brought down 15 to 20m of the retaining wall. The east wall was also showing signs of movement as a large crack had appeared in the road surface of Constitution Street.

“The council’s term contractor made the site safe and the site was monitored as discussions were undertaken to discuss the way forward.

“Discussions were held with British Rail and Tayside Regional Council from which the following transpired: the south portal is a listed building.

“The infilling work was completed in October/November 1982. Part of the works included the construction of an 11m deep manhole which gives access to the tunnel.

Due to Health and Safety requirements , it can only be accessed by trained confined spaces personnel.

“Various options were discussed but it was finally agreed that the site should be infilled and advertised for sale by the Regional Council.

It was subsequently purchased by a Perth builder.”