Banking for a safer Spey
A POTENTIAL danger spot on the River Spey in Aviemore is to be made safer thanks to a multi-faceted project.
The riverside site by the Old Bridge Inn and Bunkhouse car park is popular with pub-goers who use the picnic benches as well as with young and sporting paddlers.
But the once shallow entrance point into the river was partially washed away by a storm in 2013 and has continued to deteriorate because of repeated use by canoeists and kayakers.
Aviemore Community Council has now been granted permission to restore the river bank at the small beach area.
It will also improve access to the river for paddlers and other river users; make the general area safer and provide environmental benefits.
A warning sign about the deep water danger will be installed along with details of the erosion processes at work.
The plans lodged by Aviemore Community Council have been approved under delegated powers by Highland Council's planning officers based in Kingussie.
The watchdog's submission states: "The area is currently used for launching canoes and other public recreation leading to erosion over time.
"The proposal is to restore an area of bank measuring approximately eight metres by 12m replaced with a three tier terrace construction.
"The sides will measure approximately 0.5m and finished with timber logs, geotextile and willow spiling and appear as retaining walls creating an access track to the river."
The Spey Catchment Initiative is leading the project on behalf of Aviemore Community Enterprise Company.
Mr Grierson, watchdog chairman and ACE member, said: "All the partners have agreed that it is something that needs to be done and the Old Bridge Inn have been very supportive."
The scheme will strengthen the riverbank and stop further erosion in the vicinity. It is hoped the project will start this spring or autumn and funding is being sought from the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund.
The site lies within the River Spey Special Area of Conservation, Site of Special Scientific Interest and Cairngorms National Scenic Area.
Council planners approving the application said that there will not be a significant impact on Atlantic salmon, freshwater pearl mussels, lamprey or otters.
