Cherry Picker Aids Gutter Repairs at Dunfermline Football Stadium

A cherry picker positioned on the pitch at Dunfermline Football Stadium, with the operator in the basket accessing and replacing external guttering along the terrace roofline. The stadium stands and seating areas are clearly visible, showing the elevated work being carried out safely without disrupting stadium operations.

Safe and Efficient Guttering Replacement at Eastend Park

On 24 June 2025, we supplied a cherry picker truck with a trained operator to support roofing contractors carrying out essential guttering replacement at Dunfermline Football Stadium. Home to Dunfermline Athletic FC, this Fife venue features a long, elevated roof that runs above tiered terraces—typical of football grounds—where external gutters collect and divert rainwater away from the stands and structure. The job required controlled access to sections of external guttering positioned high above the terraces, precise handling of materials, and a method that would not interfere with stadium operations.

Why Scaffolding Was Unsuitable for Terrace-Side Guttering

Reaching external gutters above the terraces with scaffolding would have been slow, costly, and highly disruptive. To work along the roof edge from inside the stadium, a scaffold would likely need to be erected bay-by-bay across multiple seating sections, with towers and boarding spanning rows—restricting aisles, exits, and sightlines. Progressing the full length of a stand would mean repeatedly striking and rebuilding platforms, adding significant labour and programme time.

From the perimeter, the scaffold would still require extensive runs to meet the roofline, larger exclusion zones, and additional traffic and logistics planning. In both cases, stairwells, concourses, and emergency routes could be affected, and large parts of the stadium might need to be taken out of use while this essential work is being carried out. For a live venue working to a football calendar, that level of disruption wasn’t practical.

Why a Cherry Picker Was the Right Access Method

A mobile cherry picker allowed the roofing team to work from inside the stadium bowl and reach the external gutter line cleanly above the terraces. We positioned the truck in a secure, unobstructed area and progressed bay-to-bay, moving along the stand as sections were completed. This approach delivered:

• Precise positioning at height for removing old lengths, fixing brackets, and installing new gutter sections.

• Rapid repositioning between work areas without dismantling anything.

• Clear concourses and entrances, keeping internal circulation routes open.

• Minimal venue disruption, with the machine removed immediately after completion.

In short, the cherry picker provided the safest, fastest, and most cost-effective way to access the roof edge above the terraces while keeping the stadium operational.

Project-Specific Advantages of Cherry Picker Access

By choosing a cherry picker, the roofing team was able to focus entirely on the guttering replacement rather than wasting time on scaffolding logistics. This approach kept the project safe, efficient, and on schedule, while ensuring the stadium remained fully operational throughout.

• Bay-to-Bay Progression
  Work advanced smoothly along the terrace frontage, reducing programme time versus scaffold builds and strikes.

• Reach to the External Edge
  Basket articulation made it easy to access fixings on the outer gutter line and align joints accurately.

• Less Labour, More Productivity
  Fewer hands were needed for access setup, allowing the roofing team to focus on removal, bracketry, and installation.

• Reduced Labour Expenses
  With no need for a qualified scaffolding crew, overall labour costs were significantly lowered.

• Operational Continuity
  Turnstiles, concourses, and emergency routes remained clear—no seating blocks or walkways were taken out of use.

• Clean Demobilisation
  Once the final sections were installed and checked, the machine left site immediately—no dismantling phase, no lingering barriers.

Project Outcome: Guttering Replaced Safely and On Schedule

The collaboration between 101 Height for Hire and the roofing contractors ensured the damaged guttering was removed and replaced efficiently, restoring the integrity of the stadium roofline. The work was completed on schedule, with no disruption to ongoing stadium activities — a smooth, safe, and cost-effective outcome.

Need Cherry Picker Hire for Roofing and Stadium Work?

For roofing, maintenance, and inspection projects across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, and Dundee, 101 Height for Hire provides cherry picker truck hire with an experienced operator.

Whether you’re repairing guttering, installing signage, or conducting building surveys, our cherry pickers provide safe, flexible, and efficient access to hard-to-reach areas — keeping your project on track while minimizing disruption.

See examples of our work in the project gallery, explore more case studies in the blog, or get in touch today to discuss your requirements.