Flooding affects Speyside Way...

As you may have seen from news bulletins over the last few weeks. Moray was hit hard by the 48hrs of rain we had recently. The Speyside Way did not go unscathed either. The route dissappeared along with alot of the road and part of a bridge in fochabers and was turned into a burn round the back of Milnes highschool.

Diversions are inplace and repair work is commencing at a good pace.

Just goes to show the power of two hydrogen and one oxygen molecule.

Cross this bridge when you come to it.....!

Congratulations to the team for a project well done! This bridge over the the Burn of Coire between Tormore and Cromdale replaces two sets of stepping stones that were proving somewhat hazardous in flood conditions.
The main construction work was carried out by an army training unit and the ancillary works by Speyside Way Ranger staff. Other ground works were done by Tulchan Estate - thank you for your assistance with this project. The bridge had its first test very soon after completion in the flooding of 3rd and 4th September. Ironically, the main threat to the bridge did not come directly from the burn, but from water pouring off the fields above. The test was passed!

The aliens have....not landed!

At this time of year (especially this year) you will be noticing a bumper early crop of fungi. These much misunderstood and misstrusted of life forms, often go unoticed by the busy throng of folk. Thanks to the recent wet weather they have come out in force.


But cast your eye earthwards and you will start to see that these amazing organisms come in many forms and amazing colours. Out on a walk on the tomintoul spur last week, i came across this specimen:

This is the Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) one of the poisonous fungi that can be found. So called because of its use as an insecticide when mixed with milk and left out on a saucer for the flys to feast on. Many tales are linked to the fly agaric concerning shamanistic uses in many northern tribes of lapland and siberia.

As with any fungi, if you are not sure of its species, then DO NOT PICK IT and more importantly DO NOT EAT IT. Always go with someon ewho knows what they're doing, or like i do just appreciate from afar the lovely colours and formations.

No fairies were found or harmed in taking this photo.