Building Briefs - August 6th

• Embankment works bring stability to Highland Mainline

More than 50 tonnes of mud and vegetation had to be removed from the track and the slope after heavy rainfall on July 11 caused water to run onto the railway from third-party land triggering the landslip.

The line was closed while specialist engineers assessed the damage and the track was then cleared and re-opened at a restricted speed on July 12.

In order to protect the area from further damage, a wall of gabion baskets has been positioned at the bottom of the slope to help stabilise it.  A tensioned catchfence was installed on the slope prior to the landslip and helped prevent a larger volume of material reaching the track was also repaired and reinstated.

Erosion netting was also laid to prevent any further washout and encourage vegetation regrowth, binding the top layer of soil together to prevent deterioration on the slope surface.

With work now completed, the speed restriction has been lifted allowing services to return to normal on the Highland Mainline between Pitlochry and Blair Atholl.

• Lossie’s West Beach footpath to get £13,500 upgrade

Repairs to the footpath at Lossiemouth’s West Beach are scheduled to take place later this month.

A stretch of the path, between two of the access ramps to the beach, is affected by uneven slabs due to concrete blocks shifting and void space underneath. Those posing the greatest risk to pedestrians have been cordoned off. Moray Council is funding the replacement of these slabs to the tune of £13,500, as well as others as a preventative measure to reduce the trip hazard due to the uneven surface.

Work will begin on 16 August and should last no longer than a fortnight. A small works compound will be situated in the car park area and pedestrian barriers will be installed to guide people safely around the works. The car park will remain open for residents and visitors throughout the duration of the repairs.

Local ward councillors have all welcomed the news, with Cllr Ryan Edwards confirming: “Although the summer season may be coming to an end, this stretch of beach is used extensively throughout the year and these repairs will be very welcome by all users.”

• Urgent dangerous building investigation in Glasgow

An urgent investigation has been launched into a dangerous building in Glasgow. 

A building in Oakfield Avenue near to Hillhead High School has been identified as a potential threat to health and safety. 

The road was closed last night between Glasgow Street and Bellgrove Lane and will remain shut until further notice.