Bervie Braes: Landslide rescue deal expected. Pic: © STV
A rescue package for unstable slopes in an Aberdeenshire town has been announced by the Scottish Government.
Around 75 households beneath Bervie Braes in Stonehaven were evacuated last month after hundreds of tonnes of mud and rocks smashed into a number of properties.
Aberdeenshire Council had estimated repair works would cost around £5.7million.
However Transport Minister John Swinney has confirmed that the procedure will cost around £3million.
The Scottish Government will pay £2million of the cost, with Aberdeenshire Council expected to make up the shortfall.
Mr Swinney said: "I asked Transport Scotland to look at what options were available to address the situation and am now acting on their advice, putting in place the funding that will allow this vital stabilisation work to go ahead.
"I'm pleased to be able to provide reassurance that these works will bring about the much needed long term solution to the problems at Bervie Braes, protecting local residents and home owners from further landslips."
Anne Robertson, leader of Aberdeenshire Council welcomed the announcement, she said: “This funding commitment and our partnership with the Scottish Government means that we can now give property owners confidence that the land will be stabilised. We are grateful for the swift action in reaching a decision."
BACKGROUND
A process known as ‘soil nailing’ will be undertaken at the site on the lower slopes of the unstable hill, reinforcing the slopes with steel bars encased in grout.
Work will also be carried out to stabilise ground at the top of the slopes.
Bervie Braes has been plagued by landslips for years but the situation was exacerbated by the extended period of inclement weather.
The local authority issued the evacuation advice on February 25.
Some residents have since returned to their homes against the advice of the council.
Richard Barnes, whose house was hit by about 200 tonnes of earth and rubble in February, said the funds are unlikely to help him.
The 53-year-old, of Invercarron Cottage, said engineering works might not extend as far as the part of the hill above the property and is seeking clarification from the local authority.
Mr Barnes, now staying in rented accommodation in the town, said: "Our house was the only house that was actually penetrated by the landslip.
"It seems unfortunate that my house has been the catalyst, the only one damaged, but we might be ignored."
Earth, rubble and a tree slammed into the back of the house in February. The mud is now about 10 feet deep in his kitchen.
The Bervie Braes are in private ownership and neither the Aberdeenshire Council nor Scottish Government has any direct responsibility for the condition of the slopes.
