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Tuesday 28 Jun 2022

No battle over Killiecrankie fencing renewal

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail has completed work at Killiecrankie to improve lineside fencing over a distance of more than a kilometre.

Fencing in the area was life expired and needed to be renewed in order to keep the railway secure and the public safely separated from the tracks.  

As well as the age of the fencing, the area also suffered from an ongoing issue with trespass due to people taking short-cuts to and from designated footpaths and from those seeking to take photographs of the beautiful scenery and passing trains.

Ahead of the work, Network Rail worked with the landowner; The National Trust for Scotland, to agree a fencing solution that secured the railway but also was sympathetic to, and worked with, the scenic nature of the local area. This engagement continued throughout the installation of the fencing until the work was fully complete.

Jonathan Callis, Senior Asset Engineer, Network Rail said, “Network Rail has a legal obligation to keep the railway boundary secure to protect those travelling on trains and those using the area adjacent to the railway for social or recreational activities.

“At Killiecrankie, the renewal of the fencing was needed to secure the railway boundary, but also to reduce the risk from trespass. Our approach to designing and delivering the project was informed by discussions with the National Trust for Scotland and reflected the fact that it is an area people regularly visit to enjoy walking trails, the natural environment and the spectacular views it affords.

“We are grateful to the National Trust for their support and cooperation throughout this work.”

Ruth Alexander, Visitor Services Supervisor, The National Trust for Scotland, commented:

“I am really impressed with Network Rail’s approach to this project.

“They explained fully what they needed to do, and why, and took into account the sensitive nature of the location of the work.

“We’re heartened by the fact that they made sure the fencing was appropriate for the location and didn’t detract from the wonderful views we have here so that visitors can still enjoy the wonderful scenery but do so safely.”