Much Water Flows Under Bridge While Community Council Stuck in Bureaucratic Bunfight
Overflowing water in a Sutherland community has uncovered a battle between departments at Highland Council, leaving the community council fuming.
Edderton, the small village on the border of Sutherland and Ross-shire, have drawn attention to drainage issues affecting Edderton Primary School and neighbouring properties on the road, the U1880.
Despite repeated representations from the Community Council and the elected councillors, Richard Gale and, formerly, Jim McGillivray, neither roads nor maintenance are willing to resolve the issue, claiming that the other set of bungling bureaucrats are to blame.
An Edderton Community Council spokesperson said:
“Edderton Community Council wishes to formally record its ongoing concern regarding unresolved drainage issues affecting Edderton Primary School and neighbouring properties on the U1880.
“While the community fights to reopen the primary and nursery in the village, since September 2025, water has been overspilling from a roadside drain adjacent to the mothballed Edderton Primary School.
“This overspill has been repeatedly observed flowing toward and collecting at the rear of the school building.
“The community is concerned that continued water ingress poses a risk to the solum and foundations, potentially compounding its neglect and leading to damp within the building and, if left unaddressed, significant structural damage requiring costly remediation.
“This matter has been raised at every monthly Community Council meeting since first reported, with no remedial action taken to date by The Highland Council, who own both the road and the school building.
“Local councillor Richard Gale has highlighted the issue with the relevant Highland Council departments.
“Photographs of the overspill have been provided.
“Despite this, the Edderton Community Council has been informed that responsibility lies between Property and Roads, and that these departments have not yet determined who will take ownership of the problem.
“As a result, no corrective works have been initiated.
“The drainage issue is also affecting neighbouring residents.
“Edderton Community Council is formally calling for Highland Council to:
– Identify and confirm the responsible department without further delay.
– Undertake urgent drainage and ditch‑clearing works at both locations.
– Provide a written update outlining planned actions and timescales.
– Ensure that measures are taken to prevent further overspill and protect the structural integrity of Edderton Primary School and neighbouring properties.
“The Community Council considers this an unacceptable delay in addressing a known and potentially serious infrastructure issue.
“We expect prompt action to resolve these matters in the interest of public safety, protection of a community asset, and responsible property management.”
