Extreme winds knock over giant adventure course at Gills Bay
A 26 foot high adventure course into the air by gusts over 90mph with its owners left to count the cost of the damage.
Owners at the Air Extreme high ropes course at Gills Bay were left stunned when their giant structure was tossed into the air and dragged several yards away from its original location as Storm Caroline hit the far north yesterday.
Now staff may have to wait until this weekend for the weather to improve before they can start reassembling it.
The course, which measures eight metres high and 16 metres long, was flung six feet into the air and over a fence as the 90mph gusts forced the structure to travel several yards yesterday morning.
Vikki Brightman, who runs the course with her husband Royston, said she did not believe what had happened until she saw the metal structure on its side and yards away from where it should have been.
“It happened at 9am and the wind lifted the structure up carried it across the field and forced it to tilt to its side. We are estimating it was lifted at least six foot off the ground as it actually cleared the fence into a field.
“My father in-law Eddie was the first to find out when he came in and told me the high ropes course was over by the chicken shed.
“I thought he was winding me up at first but when I found out for myself, I couldn’t believe it.”
Mrs Brightman called Royston who was in Thurso at the time of incident, to come back to Gills Bay to tie down the course so it would not move any further.
However they will not be able to assess how much damage has been caused until the winds drop down.
“The course is now anchored down and has not moved since so we hope it will stay firm,” said Mrs Brightman.
“We just have to figure out how we will get it back the right way up.
“You have to laugh otherwise you would cry.”
Mrs Brightman said the course will stay anchored until the storm has passed but said anyone who could help assist them they would be grateful.
“Once everything is settled down we will be looking to get the high ropes course back where it should be and will be doing this ourselves,” she said.
“But if anyone happens to have any heavy lifting gear and fancy helping us out that would be much appreciated.”
If you can help get in touch at info@airextreme.co.uk