Welcome to The Montrose Sector.  The sector boundaries are East Haven (North of Carnoustie) to Muchalls (North of Stonehaven).

Within the Sector we boast 3 full cliff rescue teams, 3 full coastal search teams, 1 mud rescue team and a flood response team totalling 38 volunteers.  We have Coastal Rescue Stations situated at Arbroath, Montrose and Stonehaven each equipped with 4x4 vehicles and the necessary rescue equipment.

We are proud to serve the communities of this historic part of Scotland.  Within our area the lies Arbroath Abbey where in April 1320 the abbot Bernard de Linton, drafted the "Letter of Arbroath", thought by many to be the most important document in Scottish history.  This letter, addressed to the Pope, changed the future of Scotland forever.

For further reading on this document go to:
Visit Undiscovered Scotland

Around Arbroath are some of the most spectacular coastal walks along high cliff paths where the lucky ones will spot dolphins or even whales close to the rocky coast.  If you are a shore fishermen then it is advisable to get the latest tidal information and weather forecast before you venture onto the rocks.

The coastal footpath now takes you through farmland to the high point of Red Head, some 330ft high where you should be able to see the conspicuous tower of Bell Rock Lighthouse some 16 miles away.  From this vantage point, to the north you will be able to make out Todhead lighthouse and to the south the Fife coastline.  But take care, there are many seabirds as well as raptors who tend to swoop down on visitors, during the nesting season, in an effort at protecting their young. These high cliffs are an important breeding ground for all types of seabirds including puffins.

Between Red Head and Montrose is the lovely sandy beach at Lunan Bay.  Its fine sand attracts many visitors annually who enjoy the relatively safe sea bathing waters.  It is always wise to get the latest weather and tidal information when planning a trip to any beach or undertaking any foreshore activity.

Montrose can best be described as typical Scottish town with many fine features on its buildings.   Dating back to a Norse settlement, Montrose has grown to be a very important harbour. The tidal basin at its rear is a very important feeding ground for migrating birds.   The Montrose Basin is administered and controlled from the wildlife visitor centre where you can experience the wildlife at first hand.  From the centre you can see hundreds of birds and learn about the ecology of the basin. 

Venturing onto this muddy basin itself is not recommended unless you have excellent local knowledge.  The mud can be very deep and once stuck you will find it impossible to extricate yourself.  For those who do get stuck, the Coastguard Mud Rescue Team will do their best to assist you to safety.

Montrose Harbour welcome trading ships from all over the world as well as fishing vessels and pleasure craft.  The narrow channel entrance is a piloted waterway and vessels wishing to enter or leave the harbour must call the harbour on channel 12 or you may encounter a deep draughted ship sharing the same narrow channel.

Montrose also boasts a beautiful bathing sandy beach now rated as a Blue Flag Beach for its cleanliness.  The nearby Seafront Splash is also very popular with the children.

The villages of Johnshaven and Gourdon to the north had their hey day during the Herring years when the small fishing smacks brought their catch to be gutted and salted before sending them to market.  To visit these villages is to step back into time and one can imagine the hustle and bustle of fisher folk life back at the turn of the century.    If visiting by boat, then be very aware of the narrow harbour entrances and be mindful that both harbours dry at low water.

To the north is the Royal Burgh of Inverbervie (Bervie for short) where Mr Hercules Linton designed the famous clipper Cutty Sark (now preserved in dry dock at Greenwich), was born in 1837.  Mr Linton was commissioned to design a fast clipper ship to race the early season tea to market in Bristol and London.  The name Cutty Sark came from the Robbie Burns poem of Tam O’Shanter.  As Tam rode through a forest on his mare Meg, he spied a coven of witches wearing scant clothing.  He stopped to observe but was seen by one of the witches who then chased Tam.  Tam knew that his only escape was to cross running water as the witch could not follow.  As Tam reached a bridge the witch managed to catch hold of the mare’s tail which came off in her hand.  The witch was named ‘Cutty Sark’ after her thin clothing.  The figurehead of the vessel Cutty Sark shows a witch holding Megs tail.

Traveling north is the small hamlet of Kineff, where the Scottish Crown Jewels and Scottish Regalia were hidden under the floor in the village church during the assault on Dunnottar Castle by Cromwell’s forces.    The church is still in use for worship and visitors are made most welcome.

Further along the coast is the hamlet of Catterline where it is reported that Saint Ninian landed on Scottish soil in the late 400’s.  St Ninian is credited for converting the Picts to Christianity and one of his first chaples was built in nearby Dunnottar Castle which was a fortified stronghold.
Further reading:

Visit Catterline

Further north lies Stonehaven famous for its beauty and excellent harbour protection from the North Sea gales.  Famous for RW Thomson who invented the pneumatic tyre. The town is a typical Scottish town and visiting Stonehaven one cannot fail to notice the diverse buildings some dating back beyond the 1500’s.  A visit to the Tollbooth museum on the harbour front is a must for those interested in the town’s history.

Throughout this article I have seldom mentioned safety along the cliffs and coastline of the area.  The safety advice for this area of Scotland is no different than anywhere else in the UK.
Do not approach cliff edges.
Do not climb the cliffs the cliff face is very unstable and can collapse with little warning.
Do not allow your dog to roam freely on cliff paths, they do tend to chase rabbits over the cliff edge and become a casualty.  Should this happen never try and climb down to rescue your pet but call the Coastguard on 01333 450666 and we will endeavour to assist you with our cliff rescue equipment.
Beaches can be fun, but do get local advice as to any dangerous currents, weather and the tide times.
Entering caves, and there are quite a few, can be dangerous if the tide is coming in.  Don’t get cut off.
Never use inflatable beach toys on the sea, they can so easily be carried away on the tide or blown offshore in an offshore wind.
For more information on the safe use of our coastline, please contact any Coastguard station for free booklets, or call in and speak to the local Coastguard Sector Manager. 

Always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard for all Sea and Coastal Emergencies.

But above all enjoy your visit to our coast remember to take your litter home, never leave it on beaches or cliff paths where it can become a trap for our wildlife