dunnet beach alert

Statement issued on Thursday 3 March 2005

Dunnet Beach

The Highland Council owns approximately 133 hectares of land adjoining Dunnet Beach, Caithness. This land lies mainly on the western side of the A836 road to the High Water Mark. The beach area, below the High Water Mark, is owned by Crown Estates Commission

The Highland Council promotes access to the beach through the following facilities:-

	The Mid Sands car park, an un-metalled car park from which a rough path leads onto the beach
	The Pavilion car park, a metalled car park by the Pavilion building at the north end of the bay. This building houses the local Countryside Ranger office and natural heritage displays for visitors, along with the offices for the caravan site, which is leased from the Council by the Caravan Club. A boardwalk provides access to the beach from this area.

As a result of being notified by UKAEA of the discovery of a small item of contamination on the beach, the Council is liaising with NHS Highland and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency over appropriate action to take.

A spokesman said: "We are awaiting the results of the detailed examination of the small item of contaminated material found on the beach. Once these are known, we will assess health and environmental advice and take the appropriate action. The safety of the public is paramount."

As a minimum response, the Council intends to erect signage advising the public of the find, and allowing visitors to make their own choice regarding using the beach.

-ends-

Date Last updated : 04/03/05