Bird reserves land cash nest egg

Loch of Strathbeg supports thousands of pink footed geese

More than £1m is to be spent improving two flagship reserves on the Buchan coast for wildlife as well as watchers.

The grants to RSPB Scotland will be used at the Loch of Strathbeg and Troup Head reserves.

Facilities at Troup Head, which offers renowned views of Scotland's only mainland gannet colony, will be upgraded.

Work will also be carried out at the Loch of Strathbeg to restore endangered wetland habitats.

The work is thanks to grants from organisations including the European Regional Development Fund, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Scottish Natural Heritage.

It gives us the opportunity to improve access to two of Scotland's most impressive wildlife spectacles Dominic Funnell RSPB Scotland

Loch of Strathbeg supports wildlife including thousands of pink footed geese each winter.

Dominic Funnell, RSPB Scotland's Loch of Strathbeg reserve manager, said: "This exciting project will allow us to enhance the internationally important habitats at Strathbeg.

"It also gives us the opportunity to improve access to two of Scotland's most impressive wildlife spectacles.

"By working with our partners and local communities we will be developing sympathetic wildlife tourism to bring wider economic benefits to the whole area."

Troup Head will get new interpretation and trails to improve access.

And a new community ranger will be appointed to encourage more people to experience and enjoy the natural heritage of north east Aberdeenshire.

Banff and Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson said: "Increasing the existing wildlife will improve the environment and more visitors will benefit the local economy."