Border Telegraph | News | Crumbling cauld could face an explosive end

Monday, 13th October, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 14th December, 2005 11:17

Crumbling cauld could face an explosive end

By Border Telegraph Newsroom

A WELL-LOVED Borders landmark could be blown up.

Murray’s Cauld on the Ettrick Water near Selkirk draws tens-of-thousands of visitors every year to watch migrating salmon return to their spawning grounds.

And a £120,000 visitors centre – showing underwater views of the fish – was opened near the famous cauld in September.

But damage to the concrete structure is forcing the company responsible for its upkeep, Pan Fish, to look at a long-term solution – and top of the list is demolition.

Letters and questionnaires were sent out to groups involved with the Tweed tributary and neighbouring householders last week.

A structural survey was carried out earlier this year after substantial chunks of the cauld broke away during January’s floods.

And estimates to rebuild sections are believed to be in excess of £250,000.

Bosses at Argyll-based Pan Fish wouldn’t admit or deny that they plan to pull down the cauld.

Spokesman Russell Ferguson said: “Nothing has yet been decided.”

Pan Fish pulled the plug on its trout farm operation in Selkirk last year after meeting a wall of opposition to turn it into a £4million smolt rearing plant.

And the site has sat empty since its closure.

But the multi-national company remains responsible for the maintenance of Murray’s Cauld.

Local councillor Vicky Davidson is strongly against the explosive option. She said: “The cauld brings a lot of tourists to the area, and I would condemn any move to blow it up. We need to get all the relevant people to come together and work out a solution without losing the cauld.”

Consultations have already started between the company and the river watchdog groups.

And many river experts value a counter fitted on the fish pass.

Nick Yonge from the Tweed Foundation told us: “There is no sinister plan to blow it up – there’s still a chance it could be rebuilt.

“One thing is certain, it can’t stay in the condition it’s currently in. It will just crumble away.

“Everyone wants a permanent solution, and we have held talks with Pan Fish.”

Another cauld in Selkirk was blown up in the early 1960s and resulted in several floods around the Bannerfield in the following years.

And fears have been raised that losing the Ettrick’s second cauld could cause similar problems.

Luke Comins, manager of the Tweed Forum, said: “The people of Selkirk won’t want to lose their cauld. Not only is it a tourist attraction, but taking it away could have implications with flooding further down stream.

“There are many implications to be considered before any action is taken.”

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