A terrified dog that fell 65ft down a cliff at one of the north-east’s most popular beauty spots was rescued by a team of courageous lifeboat volunteers this evening.
The Stonehaven inshore lifeboat was dispatched to Old Hall Bay, just south of Dunnottar Castle, shortly before 8pm after receiving reports from the coastguard of a panicking pet stuck halfway down a cliff.
The dog, named Bailey, was being walked along the coastal path just south of Dunnottar when his owner saw him suddenly disappear over the side of the steep cliff face, prompting her to call the emergency services.
Despite the dark conditions, the Stonehaven team managed to find Bailey yelping but unharmed.
The crew estimated the dog had plummeted around 65ft.
RNLI volunteer Michael Smith left the safety of the vessel at the foot of the cliff to scramble up and help Bailey down from the tiny outcrop he had found himself stranded on.
Mr Smith then carefully carried the lucky dog back to the boat, before the crew brought the adventurous pet back to dry land, where he was met by his overjoyed owner.
RNLI volunteer Kenneth Jones said he was proud of his crew for their efforts in rescuing Bailey.
He said: “This was our first animal rescue and it went really well, with a happy ending for all involved.
“Bailey was clearly shocked and cold, but he was calm during the rescue and gave us no problems.”
Helmsman Andy Martin said: “The owner came into the shed to thank us.
“We were very glad to have been able to help, along with the Stonehaven Coastguard and Police Scotland.”
