10/06/2026
It's often easier to point to the causes of a problem than it is to find practical solutions. Coastal erosion at Montrose has been debated for decades, with many different views on what has contributed to the challenges we face today. π
What we do know is that the power of Mother Nature is immense, and despite the difficulties, there are people and organisations working hard behind the scenes to better understand the problem and explore ways to protect our coastline for future generations. Progress may not always be as visible or as fast as we'd all like, but every survey, every discussion, every project and every blade of marram grass helping to trap sand is part of the bigger picture. πΎ
So to all the stakeholders involved β Angus Council, Montrose Port Authority, the University of Glasgow, Montrose Golf Links, community groups and everyone contributing their time, expertise and resources β thank you. π
And to those in The Scottish Government
and UK Government Scotland,, we would respectfully ask that communities like Montrose continue to receive the support and investment needed to tackle the long-term challenges facing our coastline. Protecting our beaches, dunes, homes, businesses, wildlife and visitor economy is an investment in the future of our town. ποΈπ‘
For the rest of us, one simple thing we can all do is respect the dunes and avoid walking on the 'marram grass'. It might not seem like much, but these hardy plants are one of nature's best defences against erosion and every little bit helps. π±
Here's hoping the ongoing studies, partnerships and future funding opportunities bring some positive news for Montrose in the months and years ahead.
in,
Bonnie Montrose π
π
Montrose Coastal Erosion Project - June update:
Observations of the rock groyne indicate that itβs doing its intended job, with the build-up and retention of sand. It is subject to monthly surveys by University of Glasgow who are monitoring changes in the dunes, rock groyne, access points and the Seafront Splash. Data is currently being assessed.
New Danger signage is also being installed along the boundary of the steepest sections of the dunes along the second fairway at Montrose Golf Links.
And we also want to stress the importance of dune marram grass once again. The success of the dune marram grass is key as it's brilliant at trapping sand above ground and binds sand below ground with its root system. Marram grass creates conditions for other plants and animal to thrive and is hardy enough to tolerate extreme weather conditions, in a saltwater environment.
What it can struggle with is human activity β so please avoid walking and trampling over the marram grass-covered dunes. Doing so can break the stems and roots binding sand together, cause vegetation death, and worsen the already extremely challenging coastal erosion problem at Montrose.
Talks are ongoing between Angus Council, Montrose Port Authority https://orlo.uk/WxkWN, and other partners on the Montrose Coastal Erosion Project, to establish whether there are new opportunities to renourish and raise the neighbouring sand dunes. Detailed discussions continue and, if successful, could prove to be of great longer-term benefit to the ongoing endeavours to stave off the coastal erosion at Montrose.
You can go our Montrose Coastal Erosion Project page on Engage Angus for updates and information about the project https://orlo.uk/O4CoB
