LARGE parts of Edinburgh's most famous landmark may have to be covered in grey wire mesh permanently to prevent further debris falling.
Historic Scotland officials are looking at covering Edinburgh Castle rock with massive sections of mesh to try to stabilise areas where large chunks could tumble on to pathways and the main railway line into the city.
Work will get under way later
this week to attach a 20-metre wide section of mesh to the north-west face of the castle, below its western defences, with other areas set to be examined over the next year.
Secured fencing is set to be introduced to other areas of the landmark in order to prevent boulders crashing down on to roads and pavements.
It is thought the measures to prevent rockfalls may be left in place after modern new spectator stands for major events are introduced within the next few years and properly tested out.
Drilling work was carried out last year to see what needed to be done on the esplanade to support the planned grandstands.
The safety plan has been drawn up in the wake of tests carried out last year to try to secure large pieces of rock using huge stainless steel anchors.
A review of the state of the castle rock was ordered in the wake of an incident three years ago when a boulder smashed into a taxi, leading to the closure of Johnston Terrace, the main road below the south side of the castle. Moments earlier the cab's driver had seen a tourist hit on the head by a rock.
Last September a 20-inch piece of rock crashed on to an empty tour bus.
The city council is already looking at preventing buses and taxis from parking below the castle rock for at least 18 months while tests are carried out.
A ban on coaches entering the esplanade is being explored to help protect the castle rock and improve safety for visitors.
A spokesman for Historic Scotland, the agency responsible for the care and maintenance of the castle, said a decision on whether to keep any mesh in place in the "long term" would not take place until initial works had been completed.
The spokesman added: "The precautionary measures are designed to identify and secure areas of rock which might be at risk of coming loose.
"It is the latest stage in an on-going monitoring, care and maintenance programme which aims to conserve the castle rock in the best possible condition and minimise the number of rock falls which are the inevitable result of the natural erosion which has been taking place for millions of years."
David Storrar, regional architect for Historic Scotland, added: "The castle rock is a national treasure and we carry out regular specialist maintenance work to protect it and maintain rock stability.
"Our consultant engineers recently identified eight areas on the north-west face where it would be prudent to carry out precautionary stabilisation work.
"This will involve drilling into the rock and inserting stainless steel pins to keep it firmly in place."
The work is being carried out in consultation with Network Rail. However Historic Scotland insist train services are not expected to be affected by the initial works, which are expected to continue until the middle of next month.
Organisers of the Tattoo have faced a race against time to replace the existing spectator arena on the castle esplanade, which is thought to have a lifespan of only another five years.
The current ageing structures, which have been used for every Tattoo since 1975, take up to 12 weeks to install every summer.
The new 8,600-seater grandstand would also create the opportunity to use the seating for other events all-year round.
The modern seating will have about a third more leg room, as well as better facilities for disabled people and at least seven VIP boxes.
