Visitors to Slains Castle are being urged not to underestimate the dangers posed by the beauty spot and the sheer cliffs on which the ruin stands.
The latest in a series of rescues took place at the weekend after a dug tumbled as much as 60 feet.
Three teams of volunteers were sent to the animal’s aid and it was eventually rescued by water from near the base of the rock face.
Despite bleeding from cuts on its head it is thought the dog is now safe and well.
But the rescue has led to calls from politicians for people to be more cautious and keep their dogs under control or on a lead at the castle and other perilous areas.
Aberdeenshire east MSP Gillian Martin said: “I would advise all dog owners to be mindful when taking their dog to ensure they remain on a lead close to the cliffs edge to avoid any dangers.
“I know how distressing this kind of incident can be for dog owners.
“Slains Castle and the surrounding Buchan Coast offer some beautiful scenery and we want people to enjoy it.
“There are many beautiful beaches nearby such as Cruden Bay which offer great opportunity to let dogs run free.”
Attempts to minimise the dangers and advise to walkers and dog owners the hazards of the cliffs have been made but Aberdeenshire Council have no powers due to it being privately owned land.
Peterhead South and Cruden councillor Alan Fakley said: “I have, in the past, asked for signs to be put up but the council can’t do it as it’s not their land and the land owners have so far not engaged with us.
“It’s a dangerous but beautiful part of the countryside and dogs should be kept under control for their own safety.
“I find it very frustrating as I’ve done all I can since it’s private land and outside of the council remit but this is one of many incidents that have happened over the years.
“I call upon dog owners to be more careful and be more aware of the dangers.”
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A spokesman from RNLI Peterhead said: “The dog fell over the edge of a cliff estimated to be about 60 foot high.
“The RNLI Peterhead Relief Tamar Lifeboat Edward and Barbara Prigmore was requested to launch by the UK Coastguard on Saturday at 12.31pm with its volunteer crew.
“The lifeboat recovered the dog and returned to its berth, returning the dog to its very grateful owners.
“There have been a number of dogs over the cliff lately and it’s very sad.”
The coastguard confirmed their attendance and the level of assistance required for such a call-out.
A spokesman said: “The call came in at 12.20pm on Saturday.
“Cruden Bay and Peterhead coastguard rescue teams were in attendance as was the Peterhead lifeboat.
“As far as we’re aware the dog is alive – it had small cuts on its face and was bleeding as it had gone down the cliff head first.
“Little dogs like this – we believe it was a Maltese – are known to bounce back quite well.”
