The Newburgh & Ythan Community Trust is proud to announce the official opening of the newly completed All Abilities Boardwalk and Low-Level Viewpoint on Friday, 30 August at 11:00am.
This landmark project represents a major advancement in making the stunning Ythan estuary at Newburgh Beach more accessible to all visitors, providing an inclusive path to experience the area’s natural beauty and observe the local wildlife, particularly the Grey seals, in a sustainable and responsible manner.
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The new boardwalk, which extends from the Beach Road car park to a specially designed low-level viewpoint along the estuary, will be officially opened by Dawn Taylor, a Newburgh resident and wheelchair user.
Reflecting on the significance of the project, Dawn shared, “This boardwalk has transformed my experience.
“I’ve always loved the beach, but access has been difficult. Now, I can easily reach the seal viewing area and enjoy the incredible views. It’s a wonderful addition to our community.”
The project, rooted in a deep commitment to accessibility, allows everyone to now explore this cherished local spot with greater ease.
Initiated in 2017, the project aims to protect the Grey seal population on Forvie’s northern shore from frequent disturbances.
By enhancing visitor facilities on the southern shore, the initiative directs foot traffic away from sensitive areas, safeguarding the seals while offering a rich experience for visitors.NatureScot, a key supporter of the project, highlighted the environmental benefits.
Catriona Reid, NatureScot’s Forvie National Nature Reserve (NNR) manager, stated: “Forvie is home to Scotland’s largest seal haul-out site at the mouth of the River Ythan, with up to 4,000 seals present at peak times.
“They are amazing to see but unfortunately if people try to approach to see the seals from the north side of the river they are likely to scare them. This is bad news for the seals as pups or younger seals may be crushed as seals stampede into the water to escape from people.”
“This new all-abilities boardwalk at Newburgh means that everyone now has the opportunity to enjoy brilliant views of the haul-out on the south side of the river while protecting the seals from disturbance.
“We’d like to say a big thank you to the Newburgh and Ythan Community Trust and everyone involved in this great partnership project to help keep the seals safe.”
In 2019, the Newburgh & Ythan Community Trust was established to lead this initiative. Phase one, completed in July 2022, involved a major redesign of the Beach Road car park to improve accessibility for all visitors.
This second phase includes revamping the existing boardwalk with non-slip strips, expanding the high-level viewpoint with an interpretive board featuring a James McBey print, and introducing the new All Abilities Boardwalk, which culminates in a low-level viewpoint that provides unobtrusive views of the Grey seals.
The Newburgh Seal Viewing Experience Project was made possible through the support of several key funders, including Aberdeenshire Council, VisitScotland, VisitAberdeenshire, and NatureScot.
Funding from Aberdeenshire Council, secured through the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund, the Coastal Communities Fund, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, was instrumental in bringing this vision to life. VisitScotland also emphasized the project’s importance for the region.
David Jackson, VisitScotland Regional Director, said: “VisitScotland is focused on the responsible growth of tourism and events.
“To be a sustainable tourism destination, we must ensure the right facilities are in place to cater for the growing demands of both visitors and locals.
“This project will enhance the visitor experience through the creation of a fit-for-purpose car park, an all-abilities path leading from the car park to the viewing platform, and new interpretation panels to orientate and inform the visitor about the area and its interests – particularly the seal haul-out.
“These facilities will help alleviate the pressure on the infrastructure of the local area, as well as the local environment, while supporting the long-term sustainability of this popular visitor destination.”
Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Alan Turner, added: “I am delighted to see the completion of the boardwalk and viewpoint and I am sure they will prove hugely popular with the visitors who flock to the village.
“Newburgh & Ythan Community Trust must be applauded for its outstanding efforts in making such a raft of improvements to this important coastal area and as a council we are delighted to have supported these projects through a variety of funding streams.”
About the Newburgh & Ythan Community Trust
The Newburgh & Ythan Community Trust is committed to enhancing local amenities and promoting sustainable tourism in Newburgh and the surrounding areas.
Through projects like the All Abilities Boardwalk, the Trust aims to improve access to the region’s natural attractions, fostering a deeper appreciation for the local environment and its wildlife.
For further information, please contact: Ron Macdonald at 07473329048 or via email at [email protected].
