Transport Scotland roads' engineers will assess with Aberdeenshire Council's technical experts the current conditions of, and options to stabilise land at Bervie Braes.

The work was agreed following a meeting between Finance Secretary John Swinney and representatives of Aberdeenshire Council.

Mr Swinney is considering Aberdeenshire Councils request for funding to support land stabilisation of the area.

He said: "We take seriously the concerns that have been expressed about the stability of the Bervie Braes slopes and I have asked Transport Scotland engineers to give me full and urgent advice on the options.

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"We will share the findings of this work with all responsible partners in assessing proposals on the way forward."

Leader of Aberdeenshire Council Anne Robertson said: "We've had a constructive meeting with the Cabinet Secretary and welcome the commitment from Mr Swinney to take this matter seriously and to work closely with the council to find an appropriate solution."

Aberdeenshire Council requested £5.7 million from the Scottish Government in August 2009 to pay for the soil nailing of the upper and lower slopes as their preferred remedial options.

The Bervie Braes are in private ownership and neither the Aberdeenshire Council nor Scottish Government has any direct responsibility for the condition of the slopes.

(GK/BMcC)