The Montrose Basin is part of the estuary of the South Esk forming a tidal basin near to the town of Montrose, Angus on the north-east coast of Scotland.
The nature reserve in the basin is internationally important for Pink-footed Geese, Red Knot and Common Redshank and is nationally important for Shelduck, Wigeon and Eider Ducks. It is also popular with Mute Swans, Oystercatchers and Lapwings as well as smaller birds. Breeding birds are preyed on by Peregrine Falcons and Sparrowhawks. The visitor centre, run by the Scottish Wildlife Trust , is accessible from the A92 road.
The Montrose Basin Heritage Society was formed in 1999 to bring together information about the basin, including its history and archaeology.
The basin has been exploited for its seafood, at one time Montrose was Scotland's second largest exporter of salmon and mussel cultivation gave it the largest mussel beds in the kingdom during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Eels have also been an important catch.
External links
Last updated: 10-15-2005 02:14:45