Primary pupils have been given high-visibility vests to protect their safety on the way to school following the closure of two bridges in a Mearns village.
The kit has been handed out to about 20 youngsters at Redmyre Primary in Fordoun by bosses at subsea company Neptune Marine Services.
The children’s walking route to school, along Old Aberdeen Road, has seen a marked increase in traffic, including heavy goods vehicles, following the demolition of Abbeyton Bridge and the temporary closure of Fordoun bridge.
Drivers have been forced to find alternative routes since the 170-year-old Abbeyton crossing was dismantled after serious structural failings were deemed to pose a risk to the railway line below.
The Fourdon bridge was completely closed in November after inspections revealed further damage to an embankment following the demolition of a nearby house, pushing more traffic onto the roads around the school.
Parent Dave Gaulding said families were grateful to bosses at Neptune for helping to protect the children from harm.
He said: “We’re delighted because it will help increase safety on the road and it also goes to show just how active Neptune is in the Fordoun community.
“The firm regularly makes a donation to our Christmas party in the village hall and this was when they found out about the issue.
“It’s very nice to see a big company play their part.”
Neptune said it was important to maintain close links with the village, where its factory is based.
A spokesman said: “Our health, safety, environment and quality manager recently gave a talk with pupils giving an insight into the oil and gas industry and what services Neptune provide.
“Due to the recent road closures and increased traffic in the area, Neptune were delighted to provide high visibility vests for the pupils to wear going to and from school especially in the winter months when visibility is poor.”
A spokeswoman for Aberdeenshire Council said efforts were being made to remedy the issues with Fordoun bridge.
“We are continuing dialogue with the owner of the retaining wall to agree a way forward and meantime the road and the bridge remain closed,” she said.
“There’s no further update than that at this point. We would encourage drivers to take caution and care when passing the surrounding areas of any of our schools.”
