Bird’s eye viewers for wildlife at Montrose station

Bird’s eye viewers have been installed at Montrose station so that people can enjoy the wildlife at the Montrose Basin.

The viewing points are on the station wall overlooking the tidal basin – a site of international importance for the likes of migratory pink-footed geese and red knot and also populated by a wide range of other bird species.

The viewers follow a unique funding partnership by train operator ScotRail and the Scottish Wildlife Trust.

John Yellowlees, ScotRail’s external relations manager, said:

“We are delighted to be involved with the Trust in promoting awareness of such an amazing location next door to the station.”

Caroline Hendry, manager of the Scottish Wildlife Trust visitor centre at Montrose, said:

“Trains are a convenient and environmentally responsible means of visiting the town as so we readily accepted ScotRail’s invitation to ‘adopt’ the station.”

Posters at the station will interpret the wildlife which can be seen at the basin, part of the South Esk estuary.

David May and Mark Salmond, Angus Councillors and members of the Montrose Town Regeneration Group, liaised closely with ScotRail and the Trust in the introduction of the viewing points.

Councillor May said: “Regular train users and visitors to the town will now have a greater awareness of our excellent Wild Life Centre as well as the wildlife at the basin.

“In addition, our group is overseeing the renewal of floral displays which taken into account the salty conditions and Network Rail’s forthcoming provision of an accessible footbridge under Transport Scotland’s Access for All programme.”