Findhorn campaigners bid to improve access to beach

Unsafe steps need renewed with concerns for safety raised

The total cost is estimated at around £50,000
Author: John RosePublished 18th May 2023

Moray campaigners are looking to fundraise for a £50,000 project to replace steps leading to Findhorn's beach.

Wear and tear over the decades has seen damage to the eight steps, but volunteers have secured funds to cover half the total cost.

Even still, an appeal has been launched to renew the steps.

The steps are now owned by the Findhorn Village Conservation Company (FVCC) with the route now cordoned off to prevent any public risk.

It is estimated that once fixed they could last for the next four decades.

There are safety concerns and it is hoped that the renewed steps will improve access

Cathy Low, from the conservation group explains the difficulties.

"If you enter onto the beach from the east-side it's approximately 1.5km along the sea defences until you get to the area around the beach hunts and then it goes back into sand dunes

"You can get cut off by the tide and there are the limitations on peoples ability to walk

"It would make it more pleasureable but if (there were an incident on the beach and) you had to extract someone from the shore you could have to carry someone 1.5km"

The FVCC say they will be retaining as many of the posts and rails to limit the amount of new wood they need to use.

Added to that, they plan to use locally sourced wood which will withstand the elements.

Cathy also adds; "It's a beautiful stretch of beach, but what most people tend to do currently is they go to the west side car park and then congregate in that area.

"This way you'll be able to access the whole beach easily

"We're reaching out to the public, people that love Findhorn and the beach, it's a lot of money.

"If everyone who enjoys Findhorn - Winter and Summer - all just gave a little bit."

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