A Doosan excavator has helped to save a 16th Century Scottish castle from destruction following heavy storms.
Abergeldie Castle teetered on the brink of collapse when severe rainfall swept away a 20m portion of the adjacent River Dee’s banks.
A Doosan DX300SLR-5 hydraulic excavator, hired from Balgownie Ltd by David Smith Contractors, was used to shore up the banks of the river to prevent the castle’s collapse.
Further repairs were necessary in order to strengthen the River Dee’s banks and ensure the long-term survival of the historic building.
David Smith, managing director of David Smith Contractors, said: “We were pleased to be of help in the works to save Abergeldie Castle. As soon as it was delivered by Balgownie, the new Doosan machine was off to site to work on the river bank next to the castle.
“Long-reach excavators like the Doosan DX300SLR-5 model are a specialty of ours, and are popular in Scotland,” he added.
Approximately $140,300 (GBP100,000) of funding was secured to conduct the repairs with the support of Aberdeenshire Council. Teams worked through the night for five days to bolster the riverbanks next to the castle.
Abergeldie Castle, which is just five minutes’ drive from the British Royal Family’s Balmoral Castle, is no longer deemed to be at risk.
