A missing link in the Cortachy footpath network, swept away in the torrents of Storm Frank two years ago, has been reinstated on Airlie Estates.
The Sawmill Bridge spanning the River South Esk was one of four crossings destroyed in the gales of December 2015 and January 2016 which saw unprecedented flooding in and around Angus.
The loss of the bridge cut off a popular walking route linking Dykehead and Cortachy school.
Now, in a joint venture between Airlie Estates, ScotWays (The Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society) and an anonymous donor, a new bridge straddles the river.
Visiting the bridge yesterday Lord Airlie thanked all those involved with the project, stating their involvement had been “wonderful”.
He said: “We lost four bridges in the storm – one was a road bridge which was pretty upsetting for the farmers who had to take a large detour.
“We also lost a cast iron bridge, a small wooden foot bridge as well as a lot of trees.
“All of the community will be pleased the Sawmill Bridge has been replaced and the river walk can be completed.It is one of my favourite walks, there are lots of azaleas and rhododendrons, it’s lovely. This is a wonderful thing to do.”
The anonymous benefactor, an outdoor enthusiast, said: “The fact it is this estate is irrelevant.
“I have walked on so many paths to do with ScotWays. I wanted to give them a donation and asked them what they could use the money for and this came up.
“It is just to give something back for all the joy I have had from walking in the countryside and using bridges over rivers.
“I have always been an outdoors, country person, walking and using footbridges and knowing how important they are.”
Karen Inkster of ScotWays, explained how the charity became involved in the Airlie project.
She said: “One of our director’s sons was up here on holiday and picked up a leaflet from the estate and came to do one of the walks but found the bridge wasn’t in place.
“He got in touch with his dad who is on the Board of Trustees. That is how we got to know about it and wondered if we could get involved to help.
“We work a lot with landowners and land users to take responsible access, but this bridge is probably better than the last one because it is horse friendly.
“It is for everybody – you can get a bike across it, a pram across it, it has opened up a circular route which you couldn’t do when the bridge was gone.”
