£2.4m cliff ‘rescue’ scheme to begin

WORK is finally set to begin to stabilise the cliff face overlooking Stonehaven to prevent the threat of a major landslide devastating homes in the harbour area of the Kincardineshire town.

In March 2010, scores of residents living in houses below the Bervie Braes were forced to flee their homes over fears of a catastrophic landslide.

The evacuation began following two “significant” landslips on the steep cliff face that towers over the southern end of the town. One of the slips badly damaged a former tollhouse at one end of the cliffs.

Aberdeenshire Council yesterday announced that the £2.4 million contract for the stabilisation scheme has been awarded to west Midlands firm Forkers Ltd, allowing work on the long-awaited scheme to begin later this month.