A Montrose SNP councillor has warned there is “much concern” in the town about beach erosion.
Bill Duff said some people are concerned that “Montrose is in imminent danger of flooding” and he has undertaken discussions with university scientists to get an “informed view of the risks we face”.
Mr Duff was addressing councillors at Tuesday’s meeting of the communities committee which was given an update on the Montrose Beach study.
Councillors approved proposals for future continuation of the implementation of measures to manage beach erosion as funding allocations allow.
Mr Duff said: “I have had discussions with scientists within the university sector together with Mairi Evans MSP and last week I had a long conversation with a geomorphologist who works for Scottish Natural Heritage and is currently carrying out a project for the Scottish Government mapping the changes to the Scottish coastline over the past 130 years.
“To summarise, the council’s strategy is supported.
“The risk of flooding in Montrose is considered to be decades away.
“As a result, the flood study over six years is being carried out in a timely fashion and well before any risk of flooding.
“This will determine the risk of flooding and will allow the council to access Government funding if there is a real flood risk to Montrose.”
Mr Duff said SNH regards natural dune defences as desirable but they are not ruling out hard defences.
The proposed measures are intended to slow down the rate of erosion in the dune system by promoting an increase in the height of the upper beach.
These include a full-scale sediment trial, repairs and renewal works to hard coastal defences and rock armour removal at the headlands adjacent to the golf course.
The financial implications of the fight at Montrose would be over £1 million and the exploration of funding options will continue.
Meanwhile, officers continue to work with Montrose Golf Links Limited (MGLL) representatives and committee in the development of the golf course realignment.
Angus Council may be able to assist with applications for grant funding but the local authority will not be responsible for funding any works to the golf course.
Mr Duff said there is a “clear responsibility” on MGLL to realign the Medal course and take on board the consistent advice given by council engineers to move the four sea holes to ensure the long-term future of the course.
