The boardwalk at a north beauty spot is at risk of closure amid fears it might collapse.
A section of the walkway at Merkinch local Nature Reserve in Inverness has been sealed off on the advice of insurers, who say it is potentially dangerous due to its state of disrepair.
However, the entire area, adjacent to the Far North Line, could be closed until the broadwalk can either be dismantled or a replacement built.
The group of dedicated caretakers say they are “saddened” to have to take such drastic action as they love the area but public safety remains a top priority.
Project manager Caroline Snow said: “Its a terrible shame. It’s a lovely spot, i enjoy it as its one of my favourite areas in the reserve I think it has a lovely view but it needs to be safe and done properly so we just have to check all that out and see if we can find a way of raising the money somehow to get it fixed, if not it’s going to have to be closed.”
The announcement follows numerous failed attempts by conservationists to secure funding from the Highland Council and fellow investors to replace the rickety bridge.
Keepers have continued to patch up the boardwalk, however, due to a lack of funds available they have been unable to make it safe and sturdy enough for use by the community.
A Highland Council spokesman said: “There is an ongoing project here at Highland Council which is looking at an upgrade to the boardwalk and path at Merkinch.”
It is the latest blow for the reserve, which was targeted by vandals in May. They hacked down a tree and stole the wood.