Safety mesh to be used on Edinburgh Castle Rock

Published on Wednesday 4 March 2009 09:13

GREY wire mesh could be spread across large parts of Edinburgh Castle Rock to prevent boulders falling from the landmark.

Historic Scotland is due to start work later this week on the latest attempts to shore up the rock, which has caused a number of safety scares in recent years when boulders tumbled from its crags.

A 20-metre section of mesh will be attached to the north-west face of the castle, with other areas to be examined over the next year to see what measures could be taken to make them safer. Once initial works are completed, a decision will be taken on whether to keep the mesh in place long-term.

Work is expected to continue until middle of next month, but should not disrupt rail services passing beneath the castle.

New grandstands are due to be installed for events on the Castle Esplanade, and drilling was carried out last year to help decide what work was needed to make the rock safer.