Bailey Bridge discussion - comment from Donald Wilson

It's slipped down the Gurn headlines a little but this observer feels that a comment by Donald Wilson might reignite this already interesting article and thread.

Bailey Bridge in need of TLC?

One of our regular readers sends the following contribution and accompanying images:

It's some years since the road section of the Bailey bridge was closed to traffic. Pedestrians have enjoyed the extra space provided by the closed road section to cross the river and admire the scene. However, the road section of the bridge was closed to traffic due to structural concerns, but unless it receives a little attention soon it might be closed to pedestrians as well. The repair work needed at present is not that great, some planks scarfed into to repair a few rotting sections and some new fixings made here and there, a lick of wood preservative would not go amiss.

The pedestrian part of the bridge still looks OK to the naked eye, but it is very narrow and only allows single file traffic plus the joining bars of each section make it difficult to wheel a pram or a wheelchair. Any chance of a wee bit TLC for the bridge before winter sets in?

Bailey Bridge leak

The pipe across the Bailey Bridge is losing a lot of water, quite a lot of it freezing instantly under the bridge.

Former fire chief has still got the vital spark!

You've probably read the Nairnshire's report on the Inverness Council (opps shouldn't that be Highland Council ) Nairn ward meeting last Wednesday night up at the Courthouse and you can't help but notice that Battling Bill Shand made a dramatic intervention from the public benches and asked to be allowed to speak. Permission was granted by the worthies and then Bill tore into them over the Bailey Bridge. The Gurn editor was lucky enough to have been there to witness the event. The former councillor had his facts and figures well compiled and there was no mistaking the gravitas and drama of the occasion as the community hero firmly issued notice on the Highland Council that the Nairn public were not going to let this issue go away.

"The reasons we get from councillors who do not support the bridge - and I don't care what they're saying tonight they are not very keen on it being opened - is that the public don't want it. But that is ridiculed by the survey that was done by an independent body," said Bill in a powerful speech that stole the show. Nice one Bill, keep on with the Bailey Bridge Battle and don't let them get away with neglecting this vital piece of infrastructure any longer.