Inverness’s historic Infirmary Bridge faces a long-term programme of repairs and refurbishment following structural damage sustained during Storm Floris.
Highland Council has confirmed the footbridge will remain closed for public safety, with emergency repairs planned by early November and more extensive works scheduled into next year.
The Category B listed structure, a well-used route for walkers and cyclists across the River Ness was closed in August after one of its hangers failed.
Attempts to repair that hanger, along with several others in poor condition, were ultimately unsuccessful.
“Safety is our priority,” the Council said in a statement.
“We understand how important this crossing is to the local community and are working hard to restore it in both the short and long term.”
Immediate repairs to the hangers are expected to take place by 7 November.
After that, a further phase of essential maintenance is scheduled for spring and summer 2026, funded through the Council’s existing Capital Programme.
These works will include repairing structural connections, partial repainting, drainage improvements, and replacing the timber deck and bracing.
However, even after repairs are completed, the bridge will still need to be closed during major public events due to limits on its ability to withstand large crowds.
A longer-term vision for full refurbishment is now under development.
Highland Council estimates the full cost of that programme at £2.5 million, with a potential 18-month design phase and six-month construction period, during which the bridge would again be closed.
Council officers are now seeking external funding to support this major restoration effort, which they say is vital to preserving the bridge’s role in the city’s walking and cycling network.
So far, £535,000 has been allocated within the Council’s Capital Programme to support near-term works, but additional resources will be required to fully refurbish the bridge and bring it up to modern crowd-loading standards.
The Council confirmed that annual inspections of Infirmary Bridge will continue throughout all phases of repair and after the structure is reopened.
