Inverness court hears how Forres farmer caused £60,000 damage to bridge
A Moray farmer crashed his combine harvester into an historic bridge on a scenic rural route in the Highlands, causing it to be closed it for almost three months.
The Bridge of Dava on the A939 - also known as the Lecht road, which connects the A96 at Nairn with the A95 at Grantown on Spey - was struck and partially collapsed after David Nicolson (62) crashed his giant machine into the parapet.
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The incident happened on September 15 last year and closed the bridge for 10 weeks, with repairs costing £60,000.
Nicolson, of Moss-side Farm, Dunphail, Forres, appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court and admitted driving carelessly.
He pleaded guilty to driving his combine harvester on the day in question without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road or public place and causing it to collide with the bridge parapet there, causing damage to the said parapet.
The bridge has since reopened.
Sheriff Ian Cruickshank fined Nicolson £800 and endorsed his driving licence with five penalty points.
