A stark safety warning has been issued to Angus residents after two children were spotted playing at the towering sand dunes on Montrose Beach.
Montrose Coastguard has warned walkers and families of the dangers posed by the shifting sand dunes at the sea shore after a member of the public witnessed the incident and reported it to the rescue service.
Coastal erosion has been an issue in Montrose for decades and the children were spotted playing next to a closed disabled access ramp where tons of sand have fallen in recent times.
A Montrose councillor echoed the coastguard’s warning and said parents need to be aware of the dangers the dunes present.
A spokesman for the Coastguard said: “We received a message from a concerned member of the public (who said) they witnessed two children running up and down the dunes close to the closed disabled ramp at Montrose beach.
“The parent of the children was standing close by. The reason for the concern is due to the highly unstable nature of the dunes.
“Almost on a daily basis there are large sections of dune, sometimes many tons, falling from a great height. This is equivalent to an avalanche of snow, unpredictable and dangerous. The fear is that a collapse may cause injury or more.
“Please can all visitors to any beach be aware of the dangers of steep dunes and the risk of collapse and do not allow anyone to dig into the face of the dune.
“Keep the digging for the bucket and spade near the water’s edge.”
Coastal erosion has created problems in Montrose for more than a century, with concerns raised as far back as 1909 when a sub-committee of the Royal Commission of Coast Erosion visited Scotland for an examination of several sites on the east coast, including Montrose.
More recently the issue has torn away the edges of Montrose Medal Golf Course and impacted on Montrose Sailing Club by damaging steps leading down to the beach.
Montrose councillor David May said: “I would completely back up the Coastguard’s comments.
“Two years ago I myself was on the second tee on the course and, despite the warnings from the council and the signs up warning of the dangers, saw four or five youngsters who were playing on the dunes. I spoke to them about it and reminded them of the dangers. I also called the coastguard and they were very helpful.
“It may well be that the parent was not aware of how unstable the dunes are, even though there are signs nearby to warn.”