Part of Aberdeen Beach Closes Due to Coastal Erosion

Access to a 500m section of Aberdeen beach is being closed to the public from Friday, 12 July, due to considerable erosion of sand caused by recent storms, Aberdeen City Council reports. 

An estimated 140,000 tonnes has been displaced by the wind and tides leaving a deficit of up to 2m in some places.

The council’s operational delivery convener Councillor John Wheeler said: “We’re very aware how popular the beach is, especially now the school summer holidays have just started.

“We cannot place residents and visitors in danger where they may have an accident trying to get down onto the beach where large amounts of sand have been washed away, or where the emergency services might not be able to get to people easily.”

Although the sand levels do recover over time, Aberdeen beach is subject to a net loss of sand with the prevailing drift from south to north and may require periodical recharging.

Should further erosion occur, Aberdeen City Council may have to consider:

• Replenishing the beach with further sand;
• Moving sand from the north end (if feasible);
• Placing rock armor in front of the wall;
• Extending the access ramps;
• Or a combination of the above.

Work is on-going with Aberdeen City Council structural, coastal and flooding engineers and consultants to develop a long-term strategy for the beach and associated sea defences.