Radical measures are taken after rockfall at popular park path

A POPULAR path through a city centre park has been closed after a sudden rockfall.

Radical Road, which runs beneath Salisbury Crags in Holyrood Park, was closed on Thursday after rocks fell from cliffs in an area known as the Long Quarry.

A spokesperson for Historic Scotland, which runs the park, said: "A rockfall occurred late on Thursday afternoon in Holyrood Park, at the Long Quarry. No-one was hurt and the Radical Road was closed immediately to pedestrians.

"The rock face is regularly monitored and geological engineers visited the site to conduct an initial investigation. It is expected that the Radical Road will remain closed."

The risk assessment team which visited the site gave the go-ahead for a rope team to examine the rocks more closely. Once they have made sure the area is safe, the path will be reopened.

In July 2008, Radical Road was closed for several weeks after a series of rockfalls. On that occasion, the rockfalls were thought to have been caused by heavy rain loosening soil on the slopes and displacing small rocks. The possibility of putting wire netting on the rocks to prevent falls was discussed, but not followed up.