The Bervie Braes road between Stonehaven and Dunnottar Castle is set to reopen during summer months.

Members of the Policy Resources Committee made the decision on Thursday after they considered a number of options for the future of the troubled route.

Under the new scheme, the road will open during summer months (April to October), with a weight limit of three tonnes, a 20mph speed limit and a one-way system running from Dunnottar Castle into Stonehaven. Barriers are also to be installed as an added safety measure on the road running down Bervie Braes. Steps will now be taken for the barrier units to be bought and installed on the road, and it is hoped the road will reopen within a matter of weeks.

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The road has been closed to vehicles for safety reasons following a major landslip on the Braes in 2009.

Eight options for the future of the road had been drawn up, following completion of a £3m programme of stabilisation works on Bervie Braes, which ranged from a £1.9m earthworks re-grading scheme to retaining the road closure on a permanent basis, at a cost of £50k.

The recommended option and one approved by the Council, was to see the road reopened part-time with the installation of modular barriers at a cost of £300k.

Committee Chair, Councillor Jim Gifford, said: "The situation is different from before, when the slope slipped occasionally. We have intervened here. The liability is now ours."

Committee Vice-Chair, Councillor Martin Kitts-Hayes, added: "This council has demonstrated over the past few years its total commitment to Stonehaven, and in terms of economic development generally speaking."

The Councillors have also asked for a report to go back to the committee at a future date to give an update on the impact on Bervie Braes of reopening the road.

(JP/H)