Bailey bridge

Through in Forres today for a memorial service for our ex-Boys' Brigade captain, John Mackenzie, who died recently. You find out things at these times that you'd never known before - probably not surprising, as John was a quiet, private man. John trained as a para during the 40s, serving in Palestine, Gibraltar and Cyprus, before working for the War Office in London, shopping in Savile Row for suits and coats. He returned to Forres in the 60s, before over 50 years of service to the Boys' Brigade. The thing I found most endearing was the fact John always referred to his sister as Mrs Barber in public. A true gent, and a big loss to the community.

The picture today is the Bailey bridge at Broom of Moy, which crosses the River Findhorn. The flood alleviation works are coming on, and vast swathes of woodland have been felled to create flood plains where the river bends. This bridge has been extended to span the plain as well as the river. By the time the works are completed, Forres should be protected against a 1-in-200 year flood - all the more important with what we're seeing elsewhere in the country.