Families in shadow of cliffs are put on evacuation alert

DOZENS of families living in the shadow of a potentially unstable cliff face were placed on evacuation alert last night.

The residents living below the Bervie Braes in the coastal town of Stonehaven were warned by Aberdeenshire Council to prepare to leave their homes at short notice, as fears grew of a landslide threat.

Sixteen years ago, a major landslip came close to engulfing a number of homes in the harbour area. And concerns about the instability of the cliff, which towers over the town, have increased in recent weeks.

The cliffs carry the road linking the town with Dunnottar Castle, one of Scotland's most popular tourist attractions. The route was closed in December because of a landslip after days of torrential rain flooded Stonehaven homes and businesses.

Last month another landslip sent mud and debris tumbling into the garden of a listed cottage at the base of the slope.

A spokesman for Aberdeenshire Council said last night:

"Despite the slightly drier weather in the last few days, the groundwater levels have risen marginally. The risk of a landslip occurring is continuing to increase.

"Weather forecasts for the next few days indicate further rainfall, and with snow melt continuing to have an effect, Aberdeenshire Council has issued a letter to residents, asking them to be prepared to evacuate their properties at short notice."