I & H Borland have been busy repairing and replacing bridges for East Ayrshire Council since the floods of last summer. The Slot Burn at the top of the Ayr catchment has the highest accessible point for salmon in the system and the main Muirkirk/Strathaven road crosses at  the bridge in the photo below. This new constructed bridge is a vast improvement on the old one and Borlands have done a great job. It is reassuring to come across contractors that consult extensively before commencing their work. SEPA have ben out regularly to inspect the bypass channel and reconnection and given the contractor the thumbs up in advance of any major water works.

The new deck awaiting the back top

I met with Euan Kerr on site today and as always he was enthusiastic about the Trusts activities and recognises the importance of protecting our freshwaters. It is encouraging to work with contractors that take extra steps to keep things right and are supporters of the Trust. He even told me of the small fish that they have seen in the burn since starting the works.

A big improvement on the old culvert. There will be no migration problems here.

All in all the new bridge is a great improvement and will be beneficial to any fish migrating upstream for spawning. Nice job, Euan.