At the Economy and Infrastructure Committee of 3 November, councillors noted the findings, the improvement work currently underway and the immediate and short-term actions being taken on a risk-prioritised basis.

It was also agreed by members that officers will return with an update report to the next meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee in February 2027. 

The engineering and infrastructure consultancy Jacobs was commissioned by the council to independently assess how it manages its bridges and structures and make recommendations for improvements. 

Improvement work has started. The team is being supported by additional inspectors and a chartered senior bridge engineer is spearheading a structural review programme that identifies where structural assessments are needed and their priority. 

A review of the service structure and a recruitment plan are also being developed to tackle staffing pressures and to cut reliance on temporary support.

The review assessed the council’s approach against the Scottish Collaboration of Transportation Specialists (SCOTS) Asset Management Framework and relevant national standards.

It drew on inspection data, which dates back to 2017/18.

Jacobs found that the council has implemented the framework’s principles and acknowledges its responsibilities as a local roads authority. 

But it is not entirely meeting a number of the requirements in the framework. 

According to the findings, inspection programmes are not finishing on time.

In structural assessments, gaps were also found. 

Improvement is also needed in records, long-term maintenance planning, checks on progress, and the way risks are found and dealt with. 

Longstanding shortages of staff and resources, difficulties recruiting and retaining experienced specialists, disruption linked to the Covid-19 pandemic and major unplanned projects, including Kirkcudbright Bridge were the main causes that were identified. 

A sample of 39 of the council’s 1558 structures was checked by Jacobs and compared with what it found with the council’s inspection records. 

The majority of the records reasonably reflected the condition of the structures, but massive differences were found at six.

Defects were also identified by the checks that had developed since previous detailed inspections. 

A total of 18 structures were affected by these, with the additional defects at four considered major. 

Major weaknesses in the council’s central records system, such as incomplete records and difficulties finding and tracing inspection information, were also found in the review. 

Councillor Andy Ferguson, chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: “The independent review set out difficult but necessary findings. 

“Members have now considered them and agreed how progress will be monitored and scrutinised.

“Work to address the issues is already underway, and I remain clear that every recommendation must be addressed.”

Ferguson added: “The focus now must be on delivery, with clear evidence of what has been completed and what remains outstanding.

“Publishing the review openly was important. We must now show the same openness in reporting progress.”

Completing overdue inspections, improving records and risk management, and planning structural reviews, assessments and checks on erosion risks around bridge foundations were among the recommendations.

Councillor Tony Berretti, vice-chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: “Bridges connect our communities, helping people reach work, school and essential services and supporting local businesses.

“Elected members will expect a clear account of what has been completed, what remains outstanding and what further decisions are needed.”

Berretti added: “The committee will continue to scrutinise progress.”

Dumfries and Galloway Council is responsible for 1558 structures, including 687 road bridges, together with footbridges, culverts, retaining walls and a weir.

The findings were published with the committee papers. Another report will be brought to the committee in June 2026 on progress, staffing, funding requirements and proposals for the longer-term management of the council’s bridges and structures.