The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Path cleared for Ness Islands’ improvement
Council: Project will upgrade access and protect against erosion
Work on the next stage of improvements to a popular Inverness tourist attraction will begin today.
The £73,000 project at the iconic Ness Islands includes making the existing paths smoother to improve access to the bridges for wheelchair users.
Further bank erosion prevention work will also be carried out in line with a timescale agreed with the Ness Fishery Board.
Last summer, members of Highland Council’s City of Inverness Area Committee approved £73,183 Inverness Common Good funding for improvement works on bridges, tree maintenance, pathways and bank erosion works.
A council spokeswoman said: “The Ness Islands are not only a through route for crossing the River Ness but they are a much-loved and very popular destination in their own right.
“The areas where works are taking place will be cordoned off but should not
“Advising people to follow any diverted routes and keep dogs on their leads”
affect the public too much and access around the Islands will remain open.”
To ensure safety during the latest phase of works, Highland Council is advising people to follow any diverted routes indicated and that dogs are kept on their leads.
Cyclists meanwhile are being asked to travel at a slow pace.
The Ness Islands are one of the biggest attractions in Inverness, bringing the countryside to the city centre. Popular with nature lovers, the islands are home to an array of wildlife such as bats, otters, deer and seals and a number of imported species of trees. The area also includes play facilities for children and the Ness Islands miniature railway.
The first bridges to the islands were built in 1828. Prior to their construction the only access to the islands was by boat.
The original bridges were washed away in a flood in 1849 and were replaced four years later by two suspension bridges designed by William Dredge.