Essential repairs finish on Greenwood Avenue after last year’s storm
Stirling Council has confirmed completion of specialist operations to remove fallen rocks and debris from Greenwood Avenue, allowing the road and adjacent paths in the city centre to reopen after disruption caused by Storm Eowyn.
Large rocks and fallen trees had rendered parts of the road and the pedestrian network unsafe in the wake of the storm, prompting engineers to close the affected areas while remedial work took place. The council said the clearance was carried out in March by its own engineering team working alongside contractors SG Access and Fairhurst, with subsequent resurfacing of the affected stretch by the Roads Team.
What has reopened and what remains closed
The council has announced that the following are now accessible to the public:
- Greenwood Avenue — reopened to traffic;
- Back Walk Low Path — reopened between Clarendon Road and Victoria Road for pedestrians.
However, work continues on nearby slopes and a portion of the Back Walk beneath Stirling Castle remains closed while further assessments are carried out to address ongoing safety concerns.
| Location | Status | Work carried out |
|---|---|---|
| Greenwood Avenue | Reopened | Rock/debris removal; resurfacing |
| Back Walk Low Path (Clarendon Rd–Victoria Rd) | Reopened | Slope clearance and debris removal |
| Back Walk beneath Stirling Castle | Closed | Further assessment ongoing |
Council response and next steps
Environment, Transport and Net Zero Convener, Cllr Alasdair Tollemache, thanked residents for their patience while the essential works were carried out and stressed that recent extreme weather had increased risk to public safety in the area.
"I’d like to thank residents for their understanding and patience while works took place to address a significant safety risk posed by loose rock and fallen trees on the slopes at the Back Walk. Recent extreme weather events have elevated the risk to public safety in this area and further works will ensure that we will be able to fully reopen the Back Walk to pedestrians in due course."
The council statement makes clear that while the immediate danger posed by the rockfall has been addressed at Greenwood Avenue and the Low Path, a programme of inspection and stabilisation will be required before the section beneath the castle can be reopened. No timetable for full reopening of the Back Walk beneath Stirling Castle has been published.
Local impact
The closures and repair work had affected a key part of the city centre walking network as well as vehicular access along Greenwood Avenue. Reopening the road and low path will restore access for residents, shoppers and commuters, but the continued closure beneath the castle preserves public safety while engineers assess the integrity of the slopes.
Stirling’s compact historic centre is heavily used by pedestrians and the Back Walk forms a popular route for both residents and visitors. The council’s phased approach — clearance, resurfacing and further slope assessment — reflects the need to balance access with safety in an area where weather-related slope instability has become more pronounced.
What residents should know
- Greenwood Avenue and the Back Walk Low Path between Clarendon Road and Victoria Road are open to traffic and pedestrians.
- The Back Walk beneath Stirling Castle remains closed while further work is assessed and planned.
- The council will provide updates as assessments conclude and any further remedial works are programmed.
Residents seeking further information are advised to consult Stirling Council channels for official updates on closures and any diversionary routes while work continues on the remaining slopes.
