Check Rail Corner Repair is Finally Happening!

Garve and District Community Council

Added at 19:43 on 12 June 2026

Update from Mark, the Principle Engineer overseeing the Check Rail Corner A835 repair near Loch Garve, that we have all been waiting two and a half years for now!

Mark has contacted Alba Traffic Management to forewarn them of potentially higher levels of traffic this weekend with The Celtman 2026 happening tomorrow. 

This week, Bear Scotland received the final approval from Network Rail to commence work again. Work will begin tomorrow 13th June and it will be  nightshift working.

The CCTV and additional signage was been installed earlier this week. So far Mark has not received reports of any road users travelling through red lights. He hopes is that the CCTV and signage will dissuade drivers from doing so. If only they had listened two years ago! 

Unfortunately there was  an incident with a tractor colliding with the light set up which was not ideal, however Alba Traffic Management reacted quickly to resolve the issue.

As always, any further news and we will keep you updated. Keep the Truck Road reporting number in your phones in case of issues 0800 587 1107


Update - 13th June 2026

Thank you to those who have raised concerns about the pull in area which has been created on the Contin side of the repair site further along the A835.

I have written to the Principle Engineer this morning as follows;-

Please could you advise what agreement is in place with the contractors regarding the large pull-in area that has been created to accommodate the portacabins and generator once the works have been completed?

Concerns have been raised that, if left accessible to road users, the area could become an overnight stopping location. Experience elsewhere along the NC500 suggests that this can lead to issues such as inappropriate toileting and littering, which are of significant concern to local communities. Fly-tipping is also a potential risk.

There are also concerns regarding road safety. The creation of such a large opening, effectively a new bellmouth onto the A835, may present hazards for road users if it remains in place. In general, the creation of an access of this nature, even on a temporary basis, would normally require planning consent.

We are currently dealing with four similar access points on the A835 associated with the SSEN Western Isles HVDC Link, and therefore would be grateful for clarification on the intended reinstatement arrangements for this location.

Please could you make enquiries and let me know the position?

We will add a  further update again when we have a response.


Update recievied 15th June from Bear

The owner of the land is Forestry Land Scotland, who we have engaged (through our contractor) to commandeer the space for a worker welfare and parking area. Due to the constraints of the site it was imperative we found a suitable space. 

The agreement with FLS is to return the space to a layby as it was before by taking up and removing the stone and also, on FLS request, build some timber fencing to block off certain areas to prevent parking and littering. From my conversations with FLS, it seems they have similar concerns to those you have outlined so we will work with them to ensure the land is returned as they would prefer.