Forestry and Land Scotland is to begin repair work on the bridge on the lower section of the Puck’s Glen Gorge Trail, next week (30 Aug).

The work to remedy undercutting by the fast flowing water in the gorge is expected to take between six and eight weeks to complete.

The bridge will remain closed throughout and the Gorge and car park will be completely closed from 9^th – 12^th September. However, at other times limited access to sections Pucks Glen is possible via a signed diversion.

The Black Gates trail from Benmore is also closed in order that the FLS team can carry out tree felling work to remove diseased larch trees. There is no access along this forest road between Pucks Glen and Benmore/Inverchapel.

Andrew Clark, FLS’ Area Visitor Services Manager, said;

“We understand the frustrations felt locally at the Glen having been closed for so long – but we are hopefully seeing light at the end of the tunnel, now.

“The bridge works have taken a long time to plan and prepare for but, if the weather is kind to us we should be finished with the repair work by November.

“We’re also making headway with our efforts across the area to deal with significant outbreaks of the tree disease, Phytophthora ramorum. The extent of the outbreaks has been very taxing on our resources but we are now dealing with its appearance in the Glen.

“With all of this work going on it’s really vitally important that everyone follows all safety and diversion signage and stays well away from the work areas.”

Phytophthora ramorum, a tree disease that affects Larch, has infected trees at numerous sites across the Cowal area. FLS is currently working on 18 active statutory plant health notices served by the forestry regulator, Scottish Forestry, that requires that infected trees – and those in a surrounding buffer zone – are felled in order to help slow the spread of the disease to other areas.

Phytophthora ramorum can be spread in mud or needles stuck to footwear and tyres on bicycles, buggies, machines and vehicles.

Please follow our Keep it clean advice to ensure footwear, bikes, kit and dogs’ paws are always clean before and after visiting any woodland.

Please check the website for updates Puck's Glen - Forestry and Land Scotland

Notes to editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.

2. forestryandland.gov.scot | twitter.com/ForestryLS

3. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07785 527590 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.