Campaign against bridge too far in Kingussie
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Community leaders in Kingussie are urging Network Rail to rethink the proposed location of a new pedestrian footbridge complete with lift at the town’s railway station.
They intend to install it just a few yards away from the door of the listed Station Master’s House on the platform.
The home belongs to the ex-station master himself Angus Blackstock – who sadly passed away on Sunday – and his family and campaigners have said that the crossing will intrude on the family’s privacy.
The footbridge is being proposed as Network Rail lays the way for electrification of the Highland main line in the region.
The watchdog and friends have picked up the cudgels whilst the family have been caring for Mr Blackstock.
Joe Taylor said: “All these people are going to be trampling in the garden of this house which is a Listed Building incidentally. They are going to be within two steps of the backdoor as the application stands.
“The plans are absolutely ridiculous. It will take away half of the property’s garden. The other end of the platform is an empty space.”
The current structure will need to be kept in place whilst the new bridge, if approved by planning authorities, is constructed.
Kingussie Community Council chairman Ruaridh Ormiston said: “I think it is awful that Network Rail has not taken into account the other listed buildings at the new bridge location, namely the Station Master’s House and the signal box.
“It will entirely spoil the site as well as block the view and light from residents to the north and south of the bridge because the elevator towers will be only a few feet from their windows.”
Plans have been lodged with Highland Council's planning service by Network Rail for the installation of the footbridge with associated lifts and removal of existing footbridge
• Mr Blackstock passed away on Sunday with his family by his side. His funeral service will take place at Clyne Church of Scotland in Brora tomorrow (May 12) at 12.30pm and thereafter to Brora Cemetery.
Donations are being collected for Arthritis Care.
Mr Blackstock is survived by his children Yvonne, Angus and John.
Network Rail's response.
Network Rail has said it is now in direct contact with the Blackstock family after the Strathy raised the issue.
Comment before Mr Blackstock's death was known, a spokesperson said: “We understand, and apologise for, the concern this application has caused.
“The positioning of the bridge has been discussed with the local authority and heritage bodies ahead of the listed building consent application being made and we have followed their advice.
“The application takes into account a range of factors including the historic nature of the station, the new structure’s impact on the existing buildings and walking routes between bridge and car park.”
• Click here for more details on the Kingussie railway station footbridge plans.
