No sign of bridges on Edinburgh's Water of Leith walkway reopening

The picturesque wooden bridge across the river at Redhall Weir has been out of action after an inspection in late 2019 revealed damage to the main beam.

And the nearby “pipe bridge” was also declared rotten, leading to the closure of the east bank in that area.

Meanwhile, steps between the walkway and Dell Road are closed due to a landslip.

In a briefing for councillors, officials say options are being investigated for the pipe bridge, including the possibility of building the path up and installing a shorter-span bridge or a stile over the pipe.

It continues: "We are also working with the Water of Leith Conservation Trust to investigate options for volunteer involvement which, if possible, may help to keep the costs down. However, the estimates suggest the cost is still going to be in region of £20,000.”

The briefing says funding is still being sought for the bridge at Redhall Weir, with the cost estimated at £40,000.

“We have investigated the possibility of obtaining funding through the Spaces for People (SfP) project for one or both of these bridges, unfortunately SfP funding is not available for this – Sustrans gave us the steer some time ago that these projects would not be eligible for this funding as they were neither temporary or immediate in nature.”

The briefing continues: “We understand the importance of these routes to the local community however, we will not be able to progress works to re-open these bridges until we have secured the appropriate funding.”

On the landslip, it says a geotechnical expert consultant was appointed to undertake a condition survey and costed options for remedial work are now awaited.

“This is the first step in understanding what will be required to stabilise the slope and reopen the path. We had hoped faster progress would have been made however, this has been hindered due to staff resources and sickness."

Scott Arthur, Labour councillor for Colinton/Fairmilehead, said the bridges being out of use meant people were unable to make proper use of the walkway and he felt ashamed at the delay in repairs being carried out.

“The history and wildlife in Colinton Dell make it my favourite part of the Water of Leith Walkway. Generations of local people have used Colinton Dell to restore their wellbeing, but lockdown and the fantastic Colinton Tunnel Mural means that it is now more popular than ever.

"While the costs of repairing the bridges and dealing with the landslip are not trivial, the council really does have a responsibility to restore easy access to the area.

"I know council officers are frustrated by the situation, but I feel ashamed telling residents that cuts mean the council can’t do better. Indeed, I was bitterly disappointed that Sustrans blocked the use of Spaces for People funding as I feel this could be a “Spaces for Exercise” project which would be widely welcomed and come with no disruption.”

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