An 85-year-old man in Inverness, who fell twice on icy pavements, joined his son to clear the path themselves, criticizing the city’s maintenance
Concerns Over Icy Pavements in Inverness
The son of an 85-year-old man has criticized the “disgraceful” conditions for elderly pedestrians in Inverness. Charles Macrae fell twice while walking on icy pavements.
Charles Macrae, aged 85, was on his way to buy a morning paper near his home on Clachnaharry Road. After the falls, he and his son, Patrick Macrae, aged 56, felt they had no choice but to clear the pavement themselves.
Patrick Macrae, a warehouse assistant, stated that the state of pavements in Inverness was “disgraceful.” He found it “unbelievable” that he and his father had to clear the path.
He argued that Highland Council was not adequately clearing the pavements, which puts elderly people at risk of serious injury. “It’s about time someone did something about it, before someone is seriously hurt,” he said.
Patrick described the pavements as “skating rinks” and noted they are dangerous for everyone who needs to use them. He questioned the council’s use of tax funds, stating, “What’s the point in all of us paying our council tax if they don’t use it for clearing snow and ice from the pavements yet they will still salt the roads?”
He added that his father was a “bit sore” after falling but “will be ok.”
Summary of Events
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident | Charles Macrae fell twice |
| Age of Charles Macrae | 85 |
| Age of Patrick Macrae | 56 |
| Location | Clachnaharry Road, Inverness |
| Patrick’s Occupation | Warehouse Assistant |
| Patrick’s Statement | Pavements are “disgraceful” and dangerous |
| Condition of Charles after falls | A bit sore but will be ok |
