Works starts on 91-mile coast path

WORK has begun on ambitious plans to create a coastal path covering almost 100 miles of one of the most spectacular stretches of Scotland's coastline.

The aim of the scheme is to eventually link 91 miles of cliff-top, beach and coastal paths from St Cyrus in the south of Aberdeenshire to Logie Head, just east of Cullen, in the north.

Large sections of the stunning coastal scenery are already covered by a network of paths but the hope is to eventually link every existing section to provide walkers and ramblers with an uninterrupted journey from the Mearns coast to the Moray Firth for the first time.

The coastal path scheme is being launched as part of the region's Energetica project, the plan to create Scotland's first "global energy technology" corridor, stretching from Aber-deen to Peterhead which is being spearheaded by Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (ACSEF), the local economic forum.

The ambitious public and private partnership is aiming to create the world's greatest concentration of energy technology companies, housing and leisure facilities along a 30-mile coastal strip between Peterhead and Aberdeen.

A spokeswoman for Energetica said the improvement of leisure facilities in the area and the rich, natural environment along the stretch of coastline was viewed as one of the keys to attracting companies to a "unique and fantastic location" in which to live and work. She said: "Residents and visitors may soon be able to walk over some of the most stunning coastal scenery in Britain as a 91-mile section of cliff-top, beach and coastal paths in the north-east of Scotland is fully linked for the first time.

"ACSEF is undertaking a review of the current condition of the existing pathways. The work will recommend key sections for improvements and examine the solutions for linking the current gaps.

"The first phase will aim to improve and develop a specific section of the Aberdeenshire coastal path, within the Energetica corridor, to provide a high- quality link between Blackdog and Peterhead. The improvements may include widening sections of the pathways, better surfacing, signage and access point facilities and interpretation."

The spokeswoman added: "There is a footpath along the majority of the coast from Blackdog to Peterhead but some of this needs upgrading and new routes developed where the pathway is not defined. Key areas for consideration are from Old Slains to Whinneyfold, the Ladies Bridge area at Cruden Bay and the beach walk from Blackdog to Newburgh."

Sara Budge, the project director for Energetica, said: "The energy business proposition of Energetica will be made more compelling by the unique quality of life environment that will be created.Opening up and giving better access to the stunning coastal scenery is a large part of showcasing the best natural and built environment anywhere in the world. We want people and companies to be attracted to Energetica because it will offer a great place in which to live, work and play.

"The leisure and tourism aspect is therefore critical and the review of the coastal paths is only the first step in getting the right, sustainable infrastructure in place."

The initial survey is being made by Chris York of Walking-the-Talk, an environmental consultancy based in Tarves, Aberdeenshire. He said: "This is an exciting opportunity to find out where the coastal route can be made more accessible.

"We hope to design a high-quality resource to give more people the chance to experience this surprisingly wild coastline that's so close to where people live and work."