31 August 2020

Cambus O May storm damage repair works underway

Works have started on the repair of the flood-damaged Cambus O' May suspension bridge.

The Edwardian structure over the River Dee was severely damaged by the floods during Storm Frank at the end of 2015.

It forms part of the Cairngorms National Park’s Core Path network and has always been a popular spot for locals and visitors as it crosses the river at such an eye-catching spot.

But for the time being the public is being urged to avoid that stretch of the river to allow the works to progress safely.

The area that had traditionally been used as a parking area has been fully closed off and is now the site compound and there is no access down to the riverbank.

Due to difficulty with works vehicle access, a 20mph speed restriction has been imposed on the stretch of the A93 past the site.

The works are programmed to take 16 weeks although the critical stage to bring the bridge back into alignment is essentially complete.

Local Councillor Peter Argyle, chair of the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, said: “I know I speak for the wider community when I say I am delighted to see such tremendous progress being made at Cambus O’ May and I look forward to seeing this stunning cast iron suspension bridge re-opened in due course for all to enjoy.”

Donald MacPherson, Structures Manager for Aberdeenshire Council, said: “I would like to thank all those involved in fundraising for the project which has been really successful and has allowed the works to commence at last.

“This is the last bridge to be repaired in Aberdeenshire following the devastating Storm Frank and shows a determination on the part of the community to protect these important listed assets to the benefit of all.”

The bridge was built in 1905 and was a gift to the public from Alexander Gordon some ten years after his death, along with the Polhollick Bridge and several other buildings in Ballater. It is a Grade B listed structure, which had to be re-built in 1988 for safety purposes and was then re-opened by Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.