Cliff-top sculpture strikes sour note with health and safety

IT struck a chord with locals and visitors when it mysteriously appeared at a coastal beauty spot.

But the popular art installation – a series of musical notes attached to a metal fence – has now been removed over fears that people going to see it could fall over a cliff.

The sculpture appeared in September by cliffs near Seaton Den, on a path between Auchmithie and Arbroath, in Angus.

It is not known who left the notes – thought to show the melody for the hymn Lord of the Dance.

But the Scottish Wildlife Trust has now removed the installation, amid concerns about the number of onlookers moving perilously close to the edge of the cliff to get a closer look at the artwork.

Reserves manager Rab Potter said the notes were in storage and the trust was willing to relocate them to a safer area. He added: ‘If somebody wants to come and claim them, they are ready to be picked up. We are also happy to discuss with whoever put them up about alternative locations.

‘There were a lot of people going up to see it and they were very close to the edge of the cliffs. We decided it was attracting people to a dangerous part of the cliffs, so it became a safety issue.’

Mr Potter said the notes had also been left at a site of special scientific interest, adding: ‘It just appeared. They should have asked us and then we would have to seek consent from Scottish Natural Heritage. But that is not our main concern.

‘It’s a shame, but we have to think about people’s safety and that is paramount.’