The prominent point at the mouth of the River Cowie offers tremendous views of Stonehaven bay to the north and south - being regularly visited throughout the year by local residents and tourists alike.

Over time, however, the existing benches and planters have begun to deteriorate owing to the sometimes harsh coastal environment and there has been a desire for some time to refresh the area.

Now, thanks to support from the Coastal Communities Fund agreed by Aberdeenshire Council’s Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee, the fully-funded improvement works will start with resurfacing on Monday, August 19.

Stonehaven-based contractor Glaciel-UK will be laying a colourful two-tone resin compound surface similar to that on the Carron Bridge and Stevie’s Walk.

Once surfacing is completed, a new seating/planter and additional benches and planters will be installed – which will provide visitors with a bit of protection on those windy days!

Access will also be improved for those with mobility requirements and an information panel highlighting the many places of interest has also been commissioned and will be installed as part of the refresh.

Stonehaven project officer Diane Henderson explained: “We are delighted to start the improvements to Craw’s Nest and we hope this will encourage even more people to visit the area in the future. Our Landscape Services team are currently removing and re-purposing some of the existing furniture in readiness for surfacing works to start.

“While the surfacing is only expected to take two days, it is entirely weather-dependent, so we would ask for patience while this key aspect of the project is undertaken. Once surfacing is completed, the furniture will be delivered and constructed on-site by the end of August or start of September.”