Tuesday September 16th 2025
Path in Burnmouth
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Action is planned on a treacherous stretch of road in a Berwickshire village where seven broken bones have been sustained in the last 18 months.
A number of people have fallen on a slippery surface in Burnmouth with some suffering bruises and broken bones – including an older couple this summer.
The site is on the road to Partan Hall near a row of cottages and although the dangerous stretch is only five metres long walkers don’t have the option to walk around it.
The issue has been caused by build-up of an algae-type substance that is the result of surface water run-off from the embankment.
East Berwickshire independent councillor James Anderson had contacted Scottish Water in a bid to address the issue and a clean-up was carried out some months ago.
But Scottish Water does not own the land and are not legally responsible for its upkeep.
Despite that the company has now committed to explore measures to ensure the public’s safety.
The main proposal being considered is to install a drain at the side of road to allow water from the embankment to drain away, reducing the risk of the algae-type substance building up.
Non-slip coating to the road surface may also be applied and in the meantime an immediate clean-up of the area is planned this week.
Additionally, Scottish Borders Council is set to install a warning sign at the location.
Mr Anderson said: “We have had a number of walkers who have fallen on it while on the coastal path. I think we are now at seven broken bones in 18 months. Scottish Borders Council sent the street-sweeper and a couple of lads with pressure washers to clean it up as a favour to make it safe.
“However, the algae must be into the concrete because after four weeks it had grown back and at last week’s Burnmouth Community Council meeting they had been sent a letter from lady who had fallen. Her husband then fell while trying to pick her up and broke his arm, so there are multiple cases reported.”
Scottish Water has now pledged to explore potential action after reviewing the situation, including its operational role and legal responsibilities.
A spokesperson said: “While we do have an asset located here, access to it is exercised under statutory powers—common practice for assets of this nature. Statutory powers of access are commonly used with assets like this. However, this does not transfer responsibility for the upkeep or provision of drainage for the road to Scottish Water. This would continue to fall under the responsibility of the owner of the road.
“We fully appreciate concerns for public safety and recognise that we have a responsibility to support with safeguarding members of the public who use this road and will continue to assist where appropriate. It is, however, important to note that this does not imply Scottish Water accepts liability for the condition of the road itself.
“Scottish Water recognise and acknowledge that over time a particular section of this road has become a concern to members of the public due to a build-up of an algae-type substance that is caused by surface water run-off from the embankment.
“In recognition of these concerns, Scottish Water will look at what options are available to mitigate these risks. The lead proposal being considered is to install a drain at side of road to allow water from the embankment to drain away, reducing the risk of the algae type substance building up.
“We will also investigate applying a non-slip coating to the road surfacing, working with our supply chain partners to progress this as quickly as we can. Arrangements are also being made for the section of road that has become a slip hazard to be cleaned this week.
“Following discussions with Scottish Borders Council, the council has proposed installing a warning sign to alert road users to the hazard. Scottish Water has no objections to this plan, and the council will fund and carry out the installation on the sea wall adjacent to our pump station at the earliest opportunity.
“We appreciate the community’s concerns and remain committed to working collaboratively to enhance safety in the area.”
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