Green light for emergency works to save seawall at Fort George’s dog cemetery from ‘catastrophic’ collapse
Emergency measures to protect part of a historic fortress near Ardersier from “risk of catastrophic collapse” should be completed by the end of 2024.
Permission for works to underpin the base of the sea wall at the dog cemetery area at Fort George was granted by Highland Council earlier this month.
The application by Historic Environment Scotland seeks to carry out urgent works after a part of the sea wall beneath the Northern Place of Arms - which was converted into a dog cemetery by the Seaforth Highlanders and whose structure acts as a defensive and protective bastion - was damaged due to progressive coastal erosion and the storms during the winter between 2023 and 2024.
It states: “Without immediate intervention, there is a significant risk of catastrophic collapse of the sea wall and considerable loss of historic fabric.”
A Historic Environment Scotland spokesperson said: “In line with other parts of Scotland, coastal erosion and lowering of beach levels is affecting the Moray Firth. This has caused localised scouring (the erosion of soil) in the vicinity of the Dog Cemetery. During the storms in winter 2023/early 2024 the scour increased and breached the dog cemetery. The dog cemetery has been closed to visitors in the interim until works are complete.”
“The start date of the works are to be confirmed following discussions later this month with the Contractor and all relevant parties. It is anticipated to be complete before the end of 2024 with the works spanning approximately three weeks.
“Costs of the works are dependent on the level of works required.
“It is the intention that Fort George will remain open to visitors throughout this period.”
Still retained as an active army base, as well as a popular tourist attraction, Fort George is considered “the finest example” of 18th-century military engineering in the British Isles.
Its construction began in 1747 in the aftermath of the 1745 Jacobite uprising and later served as the regimental depot of the Seaforth Highlanders.
The dog cemetery is another visible association with the Seaforths, which is where regimental mascots and officers’ dogs were interred.