Urgent action on Spey landslip
Anglers warned after huge section of embankment shifts
Published:
Urgent steps are being taken by landowners after a massive earth shift on the banks of the River Spey.
The landslide at Ordequish, near Fochabers, has left a cliff embankment perilously close to collapse.
The area has been cordoned off, and anglers are being warned to avoid the stretch in case the unstable mass crashes into the river.
It is hoped moves can be made to stabilise the sandy earth, which is believed to have collapsed due to prolonged dry periods.
The area affected is owned by the Crown Estate, and has dropped about 8ft since last weekend.
Alan Laidlaw, head of customer management of the rural estate at the Crown Estate, said: “A landslip occurred on Sunday, April 20, adjacent to the River Spey upstream of Fochabers, followed by another, smaller one on Tuesday, April 22.
“The Crown Estate immediately took steps to ensure the area, including surrounding land, is secure and cannot be accessed.
“To this end the field above the affected area has been fenced off and warning signs have been erected.
“The Crown Estate is working closely with the tenant, Gordon Castle Estate, to assess the impact and are seeking professional advice on what further action is appropriate and necessary.”
Other bodies, such as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, have been informed and are being kept up to date. Just weeks ago, a stretch of the Speyside Way further down the Spey was washed away by the river.
It is estimated that more than an acre of land has been lost to erosion along the Spey in the last five years.
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