Dog rescued from castle’s cliffs

Rescue teams had to scramble down the side of a rocky cliff face to save an injured dog after it tumbled from cliffs in Aberdeenshire.

Crews from Banff, Cruden Bay and Peterhead were sent to Slains Castle after an emergency call was received at around 5pm on Saturday.

The puggle – a beagle and pug cross – had hurt its leg after falling and becoming stranded.

After an hour-long rescue mission the beloved pet, named Scarlett, was reunited with its owner.

A national animal welfare charity has urged dog walkers using the picturesque but notorious cliffs to keep their canine companions on a leash.

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “We’re saddened to hear that a dog has come to harm and are thankful the situation was not worse.

“Owners have a responsibility to ensure that their dogs are safe and under control at all times and we

“Would urge dog walkers to keep their pets on a lead in this area”

would urge dog walkers to keep their pets on a lead in this area.”

Peterhead South and Cruden councillor Alan Fakley said the incident highlights the need for safety signs to be installed on the coastal walking route.

Mr Fakley said: “The one problem is that it is not council land and I have written to the land owner asking if signs can be put up.

“I am very frustrated by this because there is nothing I can do.”

A number of dogs have fallen from the cliffs at Slains Castle in recent years.

Scarlett the puggle injured one of her back legs in the fall