A £3 million funding scheme was announced yesterday by The Scottish Government and Aberdeenshire Council to protect the residents of Bervie Braes from a possible landslide.

Announcing the scheme yesterday, Finance Secretary John Swinney said that through the funding, soil nails, which are huge metal rods, will be drilled into the Aberdeenshire cliffs to support the structure and stop it from collapsing.

This comes after many occupants, staying just below the Bervie Braes in Stonehaven, were forced to evacuate their houses after fears of landslide arose in the area about a month ago.

The Finance Secretary, talking about the funding, said, "On a recent visit to Bervie Braes, I was struck by the scale of the problems that residents have experienced and I very much sympathize with the difficulties they have faced".

"I'm pleased to be able to provide reassurance that these works will bring about the much needed long term solution to the problems at Bervie Braes, protecting local residents and home owners from further landslips", said Mr. Swinney.

The funding will be provided by The Scottish Government, which will pool in £2 million, and the Aberdeenshire Council which will pitch in £1 million.