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Tuesday 1 Nov 2022

Air-drop is key to efficient fencing renewal on West Highland line

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Scotland’s Railway is using a helicopter to air-drop over 20 tons of material at a hard-to-reach location in the West Highlands to help renew five kilometres of fencing between Craggan and Arrochar.

The work is needed to reduce the number of incidents of livestock gaining access to the line and to protect the safety and security of both the railway and lineside neighbours. Standard wooden post and wire stock fencing will be installed along the section.

The challenging topography of the land either side of the railway - including a near vertical embankment - meant that a helicopter was identified as the safest and most efficient way to deliver materials to site to allow contractors QTS to start work.

The helicopter will be used to carry out 21 lifts to move material to site from a staging point south of the work area, on the West Highland line.  

Following the airlift of materials to site, work on the fencing renewal will be carried out over a period of three months and, weather permitting, is scheduled to be complete by the end of January 2023.

Sam McIlvaney, Network Rail’s project manager for the fencing renewal, said: “Inadequate fencing means that livestock keeps getting onto the track at this location which leads to a regular call on staff-time to safely remove the animals and return them to the farmer. This creates a safety risk for both staff and passengers and can cause disruption to services. 

“The challenge of renewing the fencing at this location means that we have had to look at different ways to plan and deliver this work. The helicopter has offered a great solution to reduce the time and risk involved and to get materials to site in a way that is time-efficient and cost-effective.

“We are grateful for the support of Scotland’s Air Operations team and neighbouring landowners, who have worked with us to make this possible.”

Mark Watt, fencing manager for QTS, added: “The location of this site is incredibly challenging to access, due to its remote nature, but our team is experienced in working within the constraints of this type of landscape.

“We have worked closely alongside the team at Network Rail to devise a plan that allows the materials to be pre-bundled and then air lifted into position, helping us to ensure that Scotland’s Railway remains safe and secure for freight and passenger travel.”