ETZ Ltd, a key driver in North East Scotland’s energy transition, has committed £150,000 to enhance a crucial 3.5-kilometre stretch of coastal path in South Aberdeen. This investment marks a significant step towards integrating the section into ‘The Doric Way’, an ambitious long-distance coastal walking trail envisioned to span approximately 150 miles (225km) along the region’s coastline.
The completed improvement works focus on the pathway between Aberdeen South Harbour and Altens, upgrading accessibility with resurfaced sections, new wayfinding signage, and interpretive boards. This initiative aims to improve public access to the area’s rich local heritage, diverse biodiversity, and natural environment.
The upgraded route forms part of the broader vision for ‘The Doric Way’, a continuous walking route championed by the North East Scotland Coastal Trust (NESCAT). NESCAT’s goal is to connect over 40 coastal towns and communities from Montrose in the south to Cullen in the north, linking cliff tops, beaches, existing paths, and quiet roads to create a major Scottish walking experience. The charity’s remit specifically targets a 140-mile continuous coastal path from St Cyrus to Cullen.
ETZ Ltd, a private sector-led, not-for-profit company established in 2021, is spearheading the transformation of North East Scotland into a global leader in energy transition technologies and skills, aiming to position the region as Europe’s net-zero energy capital. The company’s investment in ‘The Doric Way’ falls under its wider Community & Coast programme, which seeks to deliver environmental and social benefits alongside its core energy transition investments.
Maggie McGinlay, CEO at ETZ Ltd, emphasised the dual impact of the project. “This investment is about creating a lasting asset for local communities while celebrating the coastline that has shaped Aberdeen’s history and identity,” she stated. “The path improvements, wayfinding and interpretation boards will help more people enjoy this remarkable stretch of coast, learn about its natural environment and discover the industries and communities that have developed here over generations.”
Such long-distance trails are recognised as significant economic assets for Scotland, with outdoor access contributing an estimated £1.6 billion annually to the Scottish economy. The North East’s tourism sector has seen substantial growth, with its economic impact in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire reaching £1.375 billion in 2025, supporting around 11,700 full-time jobs. Visitor numbers, including day trips and overnight stays, have steadily risen, with approximately 3.5 million day visitors and 3.7 million overnight visitors recorded in 2025 and 2024 respectively.
Chris Foy, CEO of VisitAberdeenshire, highlighted the potential for tourism growth. “The long-term vision for The Doric Way – to strengthen connections between communities, support local people into the outdoors and enhance the region’s visitor economy by making the North East’s coastline more accessible – is a welcome and valuable addition to the region’s visitor offer,” he commented. “We know that many of our visitors enjoy spending time in the outdoors, so exploring our coastal path will provide a good reason to stay longer and explore deeper.”
The interpretive boards installed along the path delve into Aberdeen’s coastal narrative, encompassing its long-standing connections to fishing, maritime trade, and the evolving energy sector. They also explore the history of the Port of Aberdeen, the Marine Laboratory, local geology, and diverse marine habitats, plants, and seabirds.
A unique cultural dimension is added through snippets of Doric language and local expressions linked to each location. Doric, a distinctive dialect of the Scots language primarily spoken in the North East, holds official language status and is an integral part of the region’s cultural identity. Efforts are underway by organisations like The Doric Board to promote and preserve this rich linguistic heritage.
Carole Monnier, Community Lead at ETZ Ltd, explained the collaborative effort behind the content. “The new interpretation boards tell the story of Aberdeen’s coast, its social and natural heritage, including the city’s long-standing connections to fishing, maritime trade and energy,” she said. “The content was developed with input from a range of local stakeholders, who generously contributed their knowledge and expertise to ensure the boards reflect the area’s history, environment, industries and communities.” The project also links to the East Grampian Coastal Partnership’s annual State of the Coast report, offering insights into the coastal and marine environment.
The Port of Aberdeen itself has undergone a significant transformation with the £420 million South Harbour expansion, officially opened in September 2023. This project, the largest new marine infrastructure development in the UK, provides 2,800 metres of deep-water berths and is projected to deliver a £2.4 billion gross value added boost, supporting 17,500 jobs at full potential.
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Luke Robertson, Project Manager at NESCAT, underscored the immediate benefits of sectional improvements. “The Doric Way is about joining up our incredible coastline and making it easier for people to explore it on foot,” he added. “Importantly, we don’t have to wait until the whole route is in place to see the benefits. Each section we improve can make a difference now, helping more people enjoy the coast, connecting communities and supporting local businesses.”
This investment by ETZ Ltd forms part of its broader commitment to projects that enhance public access, support biodiversity, and create enduring environmental and social value across the North East as the region navigates its energy transition towards a sustainable, net-zero future.
