Trail improvement works have been completed on a 3.5 kilometre (km) stretch of Aberdeen’s coastline to help integrate it into what is aiming to become one of Scotland’s most ambitious new long-distance coastal trails.
ETZ Ltd has invested £150,000 to enhance the coastal path, including with new wayfinding and interpretation boards, between Aberdeen South Harbour and Altens, improving access to local heritage, biodiversity and the natural environment.
The upgraded route will form part of the South Aberdeen section of ‘The Doric Way’, a proposed long-distance coastal trail being developed by North East Scotland Coastal Trust (NESCAT). The organisation’s vision is for the continuous walking route to stretch the roughly 150 miles (225km) of the region’s coastline between Montrose in the south and Cullen in the north.
Connecting more than 40 coastal towns and communities, plans for the coastal trail link together cliff tops, beaches, existing paths and quiet roads, creating one of Scotland's most stunning coastal walking experiences.
Delivered in partnership with NESCAT through ETZ’s Community & Coast programme, the 3.5km stretch of Aberdeen improvements include resurfaced sections, enhanced accessibility, new wayfinding and a series of interpretation boards celebrating the area's rich history and culture.
The project reflects ETZ Ltd's commitment to delivering wider community and environmental benefits alongside investment in the North East's energy transition.
Maggie McGinlay, CEO at ETZ Ltd, said: “This investment is about creating a lasting asset for local communities while celebrating the coastline that has shaped Aberdeen's history and identity.
“The path improvements, wayfinding and interpretation boards will help more people enjoy this remarkable stretch of coast, learn about its natural environment and discover the industries and communities that have developed here over generations.
“We're proud to support NESCAT's vision for The Doric Way. As the route develops, it will connect communities along the North East coast, encourage more people to experience the region's outstanding natural environment and heritage, and deliver lasting social and economic benefits for the area.
“By investing in an important section within Aberdeen that is now complete and available to the public, we’re supporting NESCAT’s work to develop the wider route.”
Carole Monnier, Community Lead at ETZ Ltd, said: “The new interpretation boards tell the story of Aberdeen's coast, its social and natural heritage, including the city's long-standing connections to fishing, maritime trade and energy.
“They also explore the history of the Port of Aberdeen, the Marine Laboratory, local geology and the area's diverse marine habitats, plants and seabirds.
“Throughout the trail, visitors will also discover snippets of Doric language and local expressions connected to each location - alongside native wildflowers you can spot on the trail provided by local ecologists The Habitat People and links to the East Grampian Coastal Partnership's annual State of the Coast report.
The content was developed with input from a range of local stakeholders, who generously contributed their knowledge and expertise to ensure the boards reflect the area's history, environment, industries and communities.”
Chris Foy, CEO VisitAberdeenshire, commented: “The long-term vision for The Doric Way - to strengthen connections between communities, support local people into the outdoors and enhance the region's visitor economy by making the North East's coastline more accessible – is a welcome and valuable addition to the region’s visitor offer. We know that many of our visitors enjoy spending time in the outdoors, so exploring our coastal path will provide a good reason to stay longer and explore deeper.”
Luke Robertson, Project Manager at NESCAT, added: “The Doric Way is about joining up our incredible coastline and making it easier for people to explore it on foot. Importantly, we don’t have to wait until the whole route is in place to see the benefits. Each section we improve can make a difference now, helping more people enjoy the coast, connecting communities and supporting local businesses.
“It also takes us another step closer to building a route linking more than 40 towns and communities between Montrose and Cullen. The improvements being funded directly by ETZ Ltd along this section are an important contribution towards that vision.”
The upgraded trail forms part of ETZ Ltd's wider Community & Coast programme, which invests in projects that enhance public access, support biodiversity and create lasting environmental and social value across the North East as the region continues its energy transition.