Not one but two weirs are being eased on the River Almond this year. As well as Howden bridge weir a second weir called rugby club weir located downstream next to Livingston Rugby Football Club is also receiving a new fish pass to help migratory fish move up stream.
This work is part of RiverLife: Almond & Avon, a partnership project between the Trust, West Lothian Council and The City of Edinburgh Council funded by Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Water Environment Fund, The Scottish Government and the Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland.
Rugby club weir, previously known as West Mill weir was constructed in the 17th century to power a corn mill located in Midcalder. Local records highlight that the mill was renowned for its quality produce. Now, houses have been built on the site of the old corn mill and the weir was left where it was. It is thought that the weir was repaired by the Livingston Development Corporation when Livingston was being developed from the 60’s onwards.
Over the next 3 months, Mackenzie Construction will be on site creating a new bypass channel around the weir. This is a form of fish pass which creates a new, smaller river around the structure so that fish can pass by it.
The new bypass channel will be constructed out-with the river channel along the left hand bank (looking downstream) meaning very little impact on the main river channel over the winter period. Mitigation measures to protect wildlife will be in place just like at Howden Weir to make sure the project does not impact the environment over the winter period.
Stay tuned to our social media channels to stay up to date with progress. Contractors will be starting to set up site over the coming days.
