Rescue teams had to scramble down the side of a rocky cliff face to save an injured dog after it tumbled from cliffs in Aberdeenshire.
Crews from Banff, Cruden Bay and Peterhead were dispatched to Slains Castle after an emergency call was received at around 5pm on Saturday.
The dog – a beagle and pug cross – had hurt its leg after falling and becoming stranded.
After an hour long rescue mission the beloved pet, named Scarlett, was reunited with its owner.
A national animal welfare charity has urged dog walkers using the picturesque but notorious cliffs to keep their canine companions on a leash.
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “We’re saddened to hear that a dog has come to harm and are thankful the situation was not worse.
“Owners have a responsibility to ensure that their dogs are safe and under control at all times and we would urge dog walkers to keep their pets on a lead in this area to avoid any future accidents.”
A local councillor has said the incident highlights the need for safety signs to be installed on the coastal walking route.
Peterhead South and Cruden councillor Alan Fakley said the notices would act as a deterrent for anyone considering letting their pet off the lead.
Mr Fakley said: “It would be a gentle reminder to dog owners that those cliffs are dangerous.
“I would implore all dog walkers to keep their pet under control while walking along the cliffs.
“The one problem is that it is not council land and I have written to the land owner asking if signs can be put up.
“I am very frustrated by this because there is nothing I can do.”
A Coastguard spokesman last night confirmed details of Saturday’s rescue operation.
He said: “We received the call at about 5pm and asked our coastguard teams from Cruden Bay, Peterhead and Banff to rendezvous with the family to prevent them from putting themselves in any danger by attempting to rescue the animal themselves.
“It was deemed safe for us to rescue it and the Peterhead lifeboat gave us safety cover while we undertook a rope rescue.
“We were stood down at about 6pm.
“The dog is a puggle, which a cross between a beagle and a pug. It just had injuries to its back leg.”
The cliffs at Slains Castle have gained a reputation for danger in recent years, with a number of dogs falling from the edge.
In October last year, one died after plunging from the rock out crop. Seven months earlier, another pet survived a 40ft drop from a castle window.
There were also incidents in 2015 and 2013, with at least one more dog dying as a result of a fall.
