A popular path that collapsed during extensive flooding throughout Perthshire earlier this year has now been reinstated.
The riverbank at Almond Grove, West Huntingtower had eroded into the River Almond, causing concern for householders whose gardens back on to the path.
Although Perth and Kinross Council maintained that the land was not its responsibility, the local authority agreed to carry out emergency repair works in February.
Over four weeks, a bund was constructed to divert the main flow of the river away from the damaged area to prevent any further erosion.
Rock armour has also been placed on the bank in a bid to prevent any more slippage and work will also take place to reinstate the public path.
Council leader Ian Miller said that he was “very happy” with the work carried out and described it as a success.
“I also look forward to seeing the completion of the reinstated pathway, which is a popular walking and cycling route for local people,” he added.
“Although the council does not own this land, we were keen to help residents who live in the houses backing on to this area of land that slipped into the river.
“They were left extremely worried about the situation following the landslip in January, which left the lip of the bank within inches of their gardens.
“This action taken by the council should help to give residents peace of mind.”
The council had faced criticism when the bank collapsed, with Conservative candidate for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, Liz Smith claiming at the time that emergency action should have been taken “some time ago” to install adequate flood defences at the area near Huntingtower Castle.
However, following a disagreement between Ms Smith and Mr Miller, the decision to carry out the temporary repairs was made, much to the delight of locals.
Jim Haxton, spokesman for the Almond Grove residents, said, “The residents appreciate Perth and Kinross Council’s speedy intervention in carrying out the substantial repair of the riverbank and are delighted that work will now proceed to reinstate the public path which is also part of the national cycle network.
“When completed this will eliminate the risk of injury to people a number of whom continue to cross over the uneven rock surface despite the erection of temporary barriers.”