I had asked council officers to check the latest landslip above Newtonhill Beach, in case it was threatening the footpath from the Braehead. Here is what council officers have to say: “We have now inspected the slip and note that there has been some minor surface spalling of material over part of the top of the slip. This is most likely due to the effects of rainfall and the steepness of the slope.
“However, there is nothing at present that we would be concerned with in respect of the stability of the path. There is no evidence of cracking or movement on the path. It would be worth cleaning off any overhanging material at the top, to make the slip more visible to anyone who steps off the path, as there is evidence of people walking on the seaward side, presumably to avoid using the steps. Other than that, we do not see any immediate action being required by the council and we will re-visit in 3 months, to check for any visible changes from now.
“As you rightly point out – there has also been rubbish (but not garden vegetation) dumped on slope which is unfortunate. From a safety point of view, there is a very slight overhang but the edge of the slip is very close to the path and we can discuss with Landscape Services the practicality of installing a post and wire fence at this section (approximately 10m length) and this would be as an alternative to ‘cleaning off’ the overhanging material, as described above. Either way, we will look to address this issue and re-visit in 3 months to monitor.”
The reference to rubbish has now been overtaken by events. Some kind – and brave – person has removed the old chair and various other items that had landed there.