Hope to re-open Culbin favourite
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A POPULAR tourist attraction that was closed due to safety concerns is being assessed ahead of a possible re-opening.
In June, Forestry and Land Scotland discovered that Culbin Tower, the high point of the Hill 99 trail through Culbin Forest, was becoming dangerous due to deterioration.
Regional visitor services manager Justin Livesey explained: "Routine inspection uncovered issues caused by water not draining properly form the decking area. It had not only been pooling on the top, but also clinging to the underside of boards. As a result some of them have deteriorated more quickly than we would have expected.
"Public safety is always our number one concern so we closed the viewing tower, rather than take any chances. We apologise for any disappointment caused by the loss of this amazing view point and hope that we can get it fixed and re-opened as soon as possible."
The tower was opened in 2008 and has since attracted 30,000 visitors-a-year. It has views north over the sand dunes and the Moray Firth, and south towards the Cairngorms.
Hill 99 is described as "A wind through sandy pinewoods and experience of the forest canopy from the top of the amazing viewpoint."
Forestry and Land Scotland are seeking structural advice and the costs of repair.
A spokesman added: "As yet, we don’t know how much the repair costs will be. We are carrying out a survey to make sure that there are no other hidden issues and so that we don’t pay for an immediate repair only to get an nasty shock later!
"We hope to have the results of this appraisal soon."
