Update 21.01.21

Frames have been successfully removed from the water; however the silt curtains remain in place as they will be reinstalling the dam from Monday onwards. We must reiterate that the guy lines have been lowered which will allow safe passage over the curtains should there be anyone looking to paddle the Allan over the coming days.

Update 20.01.21 from a local paddler

"I paddled it yesterday. Easy get out above right bridge arch. Walk down 30metres and put in below the island. Sign at “put in” says there is a signed portage on river left. Didn’t see a sign and it’s like a jungle over there! All the carnage is on river left but there are silt traps across the river on both sides of the island"

Update 18.01.21 Mill O'Keir Viaduct, River Allan, near Dunblane

Warning Water user hazard - Downstream of Mill O'Keir Viaduct on the River Allan/Allanwater - flood from the thaw has washed away scaffolding - very dangerous for paddlers.  Too dangerous to retrieve at present. Avoid this one at the moment.  Stay safe.

Update 14.01.21 from Angela Simpson (Access & Sustainable Travel Officer, Stirling Council)

Concerning the River Allan / Allanwater between Ashfield/Kinbuck/Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, Stirling.

Network Rail are carrying out essential engineering works on the Mill O’ Keir viaduct from 5th January 2021 for a period of at least 8 weeks. Mill O’ Keir is about 2km downstream from Dunblane Cathedral.

As well as portadams, heavy plant and scaffolding there will also be a silt curtain across the width of the river downstream of the viaduct. No access through the viaduct is possible during these works. This represents a serious hazard to paddlers and they are asking that paddlers exit river left upstream of the viaduct and portage around the obstruction and construction area, or avoid the river entirely for this period, if possible. A portage is possible through a pedestrian tunnel in the viaduct (river left), route marked on map with dash blue line. This route is approx. 150m, it is muddy and uneven under foot, so take care.

Map of viaduct location attached. Look out for the warning signs on the approach to the site.

Stay safe everyone and avoid this one if you can.

Update 08.01.21

Repair works are underway on various railway bridges across the Allan Water. This has and will involve obstructions being temporarily constructed right across the river in some places. The SCA is working with the the Council and the contractor to provide warnings and footpath diversions. These works should be completed by the end of March

It is recommended that the River be avoided by canoeists until this work is finished.

Update 17.12.20

There have been serious complaints about the danger to paddlers of these works which has involved blocking various of the River channels.

The works have just started on one of the larger bridges which could mean that the River could if necessary be (legally) closed and the works are likely to take several months.  Rail bridge repairs are underway across the Allan Water. This has made descent of the river difficult if not dangerous. The SCA has requested that footpaths be provided around these obstacles.

Scot Rail and the contractor agreed to look at the option of creating a safe kayak portage path past these works.