Dumfries and Galloway Council has agreed the next steps following an independent review of its bridges and structures.
At today’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, councillors noted the findings, the improvement work already underway and the immediate and short-term actions being taken on a risk-prioritised basis.
Members also agreed that officers will return with an update report to the next meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee in February. In June another report will be brought to committee on progress, staffing, funding requirements and proposals for the longer-term management of the council’s bridges and structures.
The council commissioned engineering and infrastructure consultancy Jacobs to independently assess how it manages its bridges and structures and recommend improvements.
The findings were published with the committee papers, including where they were critical of the council.
Improvement work has already begun. Additional inspectors are supporting the team and a Chartered Senior Bridge Engineer is leading a structural review programme that identifies where structural assessments are needed and the order of priority. Work is also underway to improve inspection records and procedures and provide specialist training for staff.
A review of the service structure and a recruitment plan are also being developed to address staffing pressures and reduce reliance on temporary support.
Across Dumfries and Galloway, the council is responsible for 1558 structures, including 687 road bridges, as well as footbridges, culverts, retaining walls and a weir.
The review assessed the council’s approach against the Scottish Collaboration of Transportation Specialists (SCOTS) Asset Management Framework and relevant national standards, drawing on inspection data dating back to 2017/18.
Jacobs found that the council has adopted the framework’s principles and understands its responsibilities as a local roads authority. However, it is not fully meeting several of the framework’s requirements.
Inspection programmes are not being completed on time, according to the findings. Gaps were also identified in structural assessments.
Records, long-term maintenance planning, checks on progress and the way risks are identified and managed also need improvement.
The main causes identified were longstanding shortages of staff and resources, difficulties recruiting and retaining experienced specialists, disruption linked to the Covid-19 pandemic and major unplanned projects, including Kirkcudbright Bridge.
Jacobs checked a sample of 39 of the council’s 1558 structures and compared what it found with the council’s inspection records. Most records reasonably reflected the condition of the structures, although significant differences were found at six.
The checks also identified defects that had developed since previous detailed inspections. These affected 18 structures, with the additional defects at four considered significant.
The review also found significant weaknesses in the council’s central records system, including incomplete records and difficulties finding and tracing inspection information.
Councillor Andy Ferguson, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said:
“The independent review set out difficult but necessary findings. Members have now considered them and agreed how progress will be monitored and scrutinised.
“Work to address the issues is already underway, and I remain clear that every recommendation must be addressed. The focus now must be on delivery, with clear evidence of what has been completed and what remains outstanding.
“Publishing the review openly was important. We must now show the same openness in reporting progress.”
Recommendations include completing overdue inspections, improving records and risk management, and planning structural reviews, assessments and checks on erosion risks around bridge foundations.
Longer-term work includes staff training and development, better use of digital records, planning future maintenance and investment, and closer working with neighbouring councils.
Councillor Tony Berretti, Vice-Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said:
“Bridges connect our communities, helping people reach work, school and essential services and supporting local businesses.
“Elected members will expect a clear account of what has been completed, what remains outstanding and what further decisions are needed. The committee will continue to scrutinise progress.”
Read the review, the council’s improvement plan and the committee papers: Agenda for Economy and Infrastructure Committee on Tuesday, 3rd November, 2026, 10.30 am | Dumfries and Galloway Council.