WALKERS have been warned not to access a historic site in Cardross without supervision after a member of the public raised fears over a “death trap” bridge on the land.
David Jenkins contacted the Advertiser to say he was “absolutely appalled” to see no barrier or protection in place on a crossing over to the former St Peter’s Seminary while out on a family walk on December 20.
He said: “Our three-year-old was walking with us and made a beeline for the edge before we saw the wall was missing.
“Thankfully we caught him in time but it is a tragic accident waiting to happen.
“The drop down to the burn below must be at least 25 metres.”
The Kilmahew Education Trust (KET) took over the site from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Glasgow in 2020 and a notice on its website states that “all structures and buildings within the estate are unsafe and should not be climbed upon”.
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The message reads: “The Kilmahew estate is currently closed to visitors exploring the ruins and architecture on the estate.
“Your right to roam does not apply within the curtilage of the historic Kilmahew estate. Please use the core path network only.”
Stuart Cotton, KET co-founder, told the Advertiser that the bridge had been fenced off with bolt cutter-proof padlocks added at both ends, but that these had been “illegally removed” on more than one occasion recently.
He said: “We continue to be blighted by vandalism including further attacks on the castle, a scheduled ancient monument and the seminary as well as the parapets of the bridge which have been pushed into the Kilmahew Burn below.
“We have reported this to the police who have asked us to file a number of complaints online which we plan to do over the break.
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“We have asked the council for help with signage to prevent walkers accessing the bridge and to signpost those areas that are safe.
“The public can make contact via the website and if they wish to take part in a guided tour these can be arranged.”
The trust previously unveiled plans to achieve UNESCO World Heritage status for the site within a decade - and Mr Cotton said progress is “slow but steady”.
The project also includes proposals to create a media hub for film, TV and creative industries to use the location, as well as the development of a visitor centre and a green transport hub linking to Helensburgh and surrounding areas. Further details are set to be revealed next year.
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