"Golden Bridge" over the A9 dual carriageway to the new Beechwood campus, for pedestrians and cyclists.

Had a day off today, and this evening decided to have my first visit to the area surrounding the new College campus site. Also wanted to figure out what would be the best way to cycle to/from work, when we eventually move there. That light green thing on the far right, is part of the copper cladding material on the roof of the new College building.

Not much of that bridge is golden, other than what's seen from the road underneath it. The campus is really nice. There are two (new) adjacent pools near the College, that have interesting plants surrounding them, and numerous waterfowl on them. Even a pair of swans moved in this year, and have nested. Cute cygnets swimming about. Loads of new Blip material (to bore everyone with) for quite a while... as long as there's time to escape in daylight. I won't have the luxury of my own window here.

Won't be surprised if there's a lunchtime running group starts up in earnest. The surrounds look ideal for that - especially for those that don't like hills. Those ponds don't look deep enough for swimming, kayaking or fishing(!), but lots of good and quiet spots to sit outside. Quite a change from the Longman industrial estate, that surrounds the current main site. A really good change. Lots of trees and other planting.

Couple of reservations: I just hope the neds don't wreck the area; and that there's some sort of maintenance to it all. Don't know who's responsible for that. It was Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) that invested the milllions of £'s into the grounds - that's why it looks good!

I wonder who'll be the first person thrown into those ponds? It's only a matter of time...