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Nestled on the east coast of Scotland, between Dundee and Aberdeen, lie the quaint seaside towns of Montrose and Stonehaven. Accessible via the A92, these towns are not only picturesque retreats but also serve as vital marine service providers to the offshore oil and gas industry.
Montrose is renowned for the Montrose Basin, a tidal nature reserve located to the town's west. This haven is home to various bird species, including mute swans and greylag and pink-foot geese. The River South Esk gracefully flows into the basin from the inland.
Visitors can enjoy the long sandy beach fronting the town, which comes alive during the summer with amusements, cafes, and a playground. Further south, the sandy and gently sloping Lunan Bay beach offers sand dunes and the dramatic backdrop of the Red Castle ruins.
Montrose's skyline is dominated by the 67-meter steeple, designed by James Graham and built between 1832 and 1834. For culture enthusiasts, the town boasts a museum of local life and a modern leisure centre.
Stonehaven is famed for its charming harbour and small sandy beach. Initially thriving on herring fishing proceeds during the 19th century, the town has since evolved into a service centre for the North Sea oil industry. It also serves as a commuter town for many working in Aberdeen.
Stonehaven features an Olympic-sized open-air pool, a unique attraction for visitors. About three miles south of the town are the historic Dunnottar Castle, the ancestral home of the Keith family. The castle's history, architectural grandeur, and dramatic location make it a popular spot for visitors and photographers alike.
For directions, refer to the map of the Stonehaven area below.