Garry Bridge Inspection

The Project

Garry Bridge is a concrete and steel bridge located just north of Pitlochry in the Scottish Highlands. At a height of just over 20m above the water, it carries the B8019 over both the River Garry, and a single track railway line. The bridge has numerous walks and adventure trails nearby, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The bridge is also home to Highland Fling who operate popular bungee jump and bridge swing activities from the underdeck platform.

MHB Consultants required the structure to be inspected, with concrete, internal steel, external components, and paint sampling all needing to be surveyed across the structure. This was to determine any defects, and report them back to the client for any future remedial works. We were asked to mobilise to site for 13 weeks in Autumn 2025, followed by three shifts in 2026 which required possession of the railway.

Our Method

As the structure spanned over water, steep inclines, and a railway line, our rescue plans and rigging were our main daily challenges. Our IRATA Level 3’s ensured all rigging was safe and compliant, with exclusion zones and safe systems of work at the top of our priorities. We used staging boards to span the internal width of the structure, creating much more comfortable and efficient working conditions on site.

Our report writing to our client was critical, so keeping this aspect consistent throughout the project was paramount. The reporting was systematic and logical, creating efficient working and methodical reporting.

Our team were in constant communication with Highland Fling, ensuring there was no break in service to them. With their staff being familiar with the site and access arrangements, a constant flow of their customers were on the internal structure (to gain access to the Highland Fling platform). Our team made the Highland Fling team aware of any hazards and working arrangements the day prior, to keep both teams working coherently. No stoppages to Highland Fling’s activities were reported.

Works Undertaken

• Half-cell testing – using an Elcometer 331 half-cell test kit to measure the probability of corrosion in the rebar within the concrete
• Concrete cover testing also using the Elcometer 331
• Coating thickness testing of paint on steel carried out by specialist subcontractor Hy Spec Services
• Dust sampling – identify hazardous particles or failings within drilled out concrete
• Pull-tests on components – applying a tensile load to anchors to test load-bearing capacity
• Defects were recorded across the structure for each of the above testing elements

The Outcome

The projects team, site supervisor and client were in constant communication throughout the timeline of this project. Having a constant feedback loop enabled any snags and challenges to be overcome very quickly, and efficiently. This was in the form of online calls, or face-to-face project updates during site walk-throughs. The client was very happy with how the team carried out their duties on site, our quality and pace of works, and the regular communication from the BAE team.