Aberdeenshire Council has welcomed the news that the Scottish Government is contributing £500,000 towards further land stabilisation works at Pennan.

The announcement, made last week, recognises the unique situation at Pennan and the costs incurred following the landslide which occurred in August 2007.

The financial assistance has been provided based on outline proposals submitted to the Scottish Government by the council. The proposals included the installation of a drainage channel along the top of the slope, further clearance of any material from the cliff face and netting the cliff face where necessary.

A detailed study will now be drawn up to ensure that the correct actions are taken and a detailed report will be taken to Infrastructure Services Committee in January, with further stabilisation works taking place during 2009.


On a separate issue the Government also recognised the issues at Bervie Braes in Stonehaven. Aberdeenshire Council has just completed a consultation exercise with local residents in Stonehaven about possible solutions to land instability in the area.

The results of the consultation will be analysed and a report taken to Kincardine and Mearns area committee and then Infrastructure Services Committee.

Once the consultation activity has been analysed a funding package can be developed and referred back to the Scottish Government for consideration.

Head of Roads at Aberdeenshire Council, Ken Morrison said: "It's good news that the Government has recognised the need for financial support for Pennan.

"The village is an international landmark thanks to the film Local Hero, it's also got a small, but strong community and I'm delighted that we will be able to undertake further stabilisation works to reduce the risk of a repeat of the landslides last year."

Cllr Morrison said the consultation process has closed and we are analysing the results which we expect to determine a preferred approach for the future and enable us to come up with funding requirements.

(GK/JM)