Kirsty’s Kids’ demo as new rail works start
Kirsty’s Kids founders, John and Jan Bryden, left, staged a demonstration at the entrance to their charity’s premises, just off the A830 trunk road near Lochailort, at the start of this week to protest over new work by Network Rail, which they say will see the charity’s doors closed for five months.
The couple are still involved in a long-running dispute with Network Rail over flood damage that wrecked their premises in 2020.
Network Rail this week said work was ongoing to assess a claim for compensation from a Lochaber charity which has twice suffered extensive damage from floods in the past two years, writes Mark Entwistle.
The assurance came this week as John and Jan Bryden, founders of the Kirsty’s Kids charity, together with some of their friends, mounted a protest at the entrance to their property at Lochailort.
The demonstration was timed to coincide with the expected start of the latest round of works by Network Rail on the nearby stretch of the West Highland Line.
It was in the summer of 2020 that flooding first destroyed much of the Brydens’ site, including their adjoining home, which is located alongside the A830 trunk road and close to the rail line. The couple, who set up Kirsty’s Kids in memory of their late daughter, could do little more than watch helplessly as gallons of water and huge boulders swept through their property, destroying a lifetime’s work.
The Brydens had put their heart and souls into building the Kirsty’s Kids retreat, which is used by disabled children and their families.
Just 30 feet behind the Brydens’ property, the world famous West Highland Line rail route was also undermined in several places, leaving the track hanging in mid air.
The Brydens contacted their insurers and began costly repairs with the help of volunteers, while Network Rail set about replacing 80m of railway and embankment.
The couple fully co-operated with the Network Rail contractors carrying out the repairs, allowing them access across their entrance way to a large compound created on adjacent land. But last year the charity faced another setback when the contractors returned for further remedial work on the railway after which a mudslide hit their land and, again, they were forced to close its doors.
Volunteers from across the UK gave more than 4,000 hours of free labour, while building materials were also donated for free, all with the intention that the charity would benefit once a supposedly agreed invoice for thousands of pounds was settled with Network Rail.
However, the Brydens say they have never seen a penny.
Asked to comment, a Network Rail spokesperson told us: ‘We are in regular contact with Mr and Mrs Bryden and are committed to resolving this matter. As a taxpayer-funded body, we have processes we have to follow and that work is ongoing.’
But Mr Bryden commented: ‘I thought it was very reasonable as the volunteers all had to be accommodated, fed and be able to clean themselves and clothes. And that included the materials. Clearing mud is a messy business.
‘However, I have since been told that as they were volunteers and worked for free, they [Network Rail] wouldn’t be paying up. We are all disgusted and can’t really take much more of this.’
Mr Bryden added: ‘This level of disturbance would see us forced to close our doors when we are due to welcome our next group of children in April. We’d hate to have to cancel those stays because they are so badly needed by families.
Mum of two Sandra Bryson made the trip from Glasgow to join the Brydens in their protest. She turned to Kirsty’s Kids in desperation and was amazed at the difference it made to her daughters.
She said: ‘One of my girls was bullied at school, was self harming and totally withdrawn. One week at Kirsty’s Kids made an incredible difference. Jan and John were so kind and really connected with her and her sister.’
Kate Forbes MSP said: ‘I have been assisting the Brydens for almost two years in trying to resolve their dispute with Network Rail following the flooding which devastated their premises on two separate occasions.
‘This has been an immensely difficult time for the family. The case with Network Rail is a very complex matter, and I am continuing to try and make progress through ongoing discussions. The charity is a lifeline for many, so I hope we can find a satisfactory resolution.’