Building Briefs – July 23rd

• £1.5m fundraising campaign launched to safeguard Braemar Castle

The 17th Century castle was taken over by the community more than a decade ago after it fell into a state of disrepair and visitor numbers dwindled.

Since then, £500,000 has been raised by local people to help repair the roof and chimneys and tourist numbers have trebled to almost 14,000 a year.

Now Braemar Community Limited wants to raise money to repair the structure and replace harling on its exterior.

It also hopes to increase the visitor capacity and expand the programme of events on offer to help make the castle a five-star attraction.

Donations can be made, and more information can be found, at www.braemarcastle.co.uk.

• Fordoun road works completed ahead of schedule

Work on a local road in Fordoun has been completed 10 months ahead of schedule.

A section on the C3K between Station Road and Old Aberdeen Road closed in November 2018 for footway subsidence and repairs. It was expected to last for 18 months, but the road was reopened on Monday 15 July.

It is now reduced to single lane operation with temporary traffic lights in place. This will allow residents travelling on the B966 to better access the local area around the town of Fordoun without diversion.

• A9 overbridge takes shape

A road closure has been announced on the A9 to facilitate work on the new Stanley/Tullybelton Junction overbridge.

The route between the Luncarty Junction and the A923 Dunkeld Junction will be closed in both directions from 8.30pm to 6am for three consecutive nights from today, Monday 22 July.

This will allow for the installation of concrete bridge beams to take place for the new structure.

• Lenzie public realm area revamped

The area around Lenzie Station has been given a fresh new look courtesy of an improvement project.

This project saw a number of refurbishments delivered by contractor RJ McLeod, including upgraded traffic lights, improved pedestrian crossings, footpath improvements and upgraded lighting and road markings.

Enhanced street furniture and improved cycle facilities were also introduced to the car park and Lenzie Cross area.

Proposals to improve the public space around the railway station and adjacent shops were developed following extensive engagement undertaken by East Dunbartonshire Council and Sustrans Scotland’s Street Design team.

Consultation took place in 2016 and 2017 and looked at ways to help ease traffic and access issues - including engagement events, feedback sessions, a dedicated website and detailed parking study - involving residents, businesses, groups and organisations.

Capita served as project manager for the works, supported by Sweco as principal designer. Lenzie Community Council was involved in the process throughout.