Burn restoration works completed at Woodside of Culloden
Restoration works have been completed this week on the Smithton Burn at Woodside of Culloden, Inverness.
The works have been carried out by The Highland Council forming part of the wider Smithton and Culloden Flood Alleviation Scheme.
Local Highland Councillor for Inverness South Ward, Councillor Ken Gowans, and, Engineer with Highland Council’s TEC Services, Alan Fraser met with householder Mrs Susan Scott - through whose garden part of the affected watercourse is situated - to view the major groundwork repairs.
The five-week £34,500 contract was contracted to Pat Munro (Alness) Ltd, with design and site supervision carried out by the Council’s TEC Services.
The works involved immediate shoring up of the affected area and the introduction of a series of step pools which allow the water to cascade down the steep section of burn, dissipating the waters energy as it flows into the pools. The weir steps installed were constructed from natural rock with rock used to reinforce the bed of the burn and the toe of the banks. The banks of the burn have been re-profiled, sowed with grass seed and planted with willow to provide natural bank stabilisation.
Councillor Gowans said: “I am delighted that the Council has been able to carry out these works on Smithtown Burn in Woodside of Culloden. Exceptionally high rainfall during the 2011 flooding caused erosion here and large amounts of debris affected the burn further downstream. The works here will not only help to safeguard the immediate proximity but it will help to reduce the risk of culverts blocking further downstream,”
Mr John Scott, thanked Councillor Gowans and Highland Council for the works carried out, he said: “I would like to express our gratitude for your assistance in resolving this matter. The work is nearing completion this week and has been carried out in an efficient and professional manner with no disturbance to us. The finished result looks fantastic. We are very pleased with the results and hope this safeguards our property in future storms.”