Concerns over storm damage to seafront wall
CONCERNS have been raised that a defence wall at Thurso seafront may be breached if hit by another big storm.
Gaping holes in the wall measuring 20 feet were caused by last Thursday’s storm as huge waves broke over the esplanade and flooded the surrounding area.
Landward Caithness Highland Councillor Matthew Reiss, who discovered the damage on Saturday, reported it to Thurso service point earlier this week. While happy there is no immediate danger, he fears the wall could collapse should it be hit by another storm.
“When I was out at the weekend, I noticed there was a superficial crack in the wall at Thurso beach,” he said.
“It was obvious that this was not just a cosmetic crack as it was something far more substantial.
“The damage was clearly caused by the storm and council engineers will have to take a look at it in due course.”
The newly elected councillor added: “I don’t think there is any immediate danger of the wall giving way and I’m certain it would require another big storm before the wall would give way.”
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross roads and community works manager Campbell Stewart said Thurso esplanade was one of the worst-hit areas in the north of Scotland as a result of last week’s storm.
He said the council is assessing the situation but said the damage did not present any significant danger to the public.
“There was significant flooding in Thurso with Riverside Garage and a hardware store being badly affected by the storm,” he said.
“But the most worrying thing for us was the damage caused to the esplanade where a number of stones were sucked out of the wall.
“We have not yet carried out a full assessment on the extent of the damage but an investigation is underway.
“If it is a case of stones being sucked out they can be easily replaced, but we will know the full extent of the damage once the investigation has been completed.”
Mr Campbell also reported that the flooding in Thurso did not extend past the Ellon footbridge.
The A838 at Durness was also affected by last week’s storms with it being covered by a significant amount of debris.
Gale force winds also resulted in 35 trees being blown down in the Caithness and Sutherland area on Thursday night with minor flooding occurring in Easter Ross.
The storms caused havoc to ferry services across the Pentland Firth with Northlink Ferries and Pentland Ferries cancelling sailings between Caithness and Orkney.
Network Rail cancelled all rail services across Scotland with flights from Wick John O’Groats Airport being delayed.
Properties in Caithness experienced power cuts during Wednesday night and Thursday morning, resulting in a number of school closures.
The wintry weather also resulted in the closure of Dounreay with 1500 sent home early, with only essential staff remaining.