Page 6 - W M Donald Newsletter - Edition Eleven

Remedial works on Mearns Coastal Trail
Red Rocks is a well-known section of the Mearns Coastal Trail popular with walkers. Located at Seagreens, between Johnshaven and Saint Cyrus, Red Rocks takes its name from the distinctive sandstone in the area.
Over many years the Red Rocks path has eroded due to tidal water levels and has become impassable. Remedial works on the path have had to wait until local charity, Mercat (Mearns Coastal Trail Development Group) applied for and secured funding. Work is due to start in the summer.
Developing the plans for the remedial works was a nostalgic journey for W M Donald’s Technical Engineer, Sarah Herd:
‘My grandparents and great-grandparents used to own the farming land in the vicinity of Red Rocks. My Dad also started the local campsite which is still in operation today.
The original footpath was a simple well- trodden grassland path. The new route is higher up the face of the rocks, with the toe protected from erosion through the placement of rock armour. In terms of construction, the new footpath is best described as a sub- base road constructed from crushed rock.’
The village of Saint Cyrus, located south of Red Rocks, is the location of a National Nature Reserve (https://www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/ scotlands-national-nature-reserves/st-cyrus- national-nature-reserve). It is one of the best known birdwatching sites in Angus and Kincardine. Species that can be observed in the reserve include waders such as redshank, oystercatcher and curlew. Birds of prey such as buzzards, kestrels and peregrine falcons nest in the cliffs.
Saint Cyrus was an Alexandrian doctor who converted many of his patients to Christianity. He was martyred in Canopus, Egypt. His feast day is January 31st.
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