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Artificial turf FINALLY removed from Cullen beach site but SEPA still monitoring situation

It is understood the Cullen Golf Club has removed the turf.

Site where the turf used to be near Cullen beach. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson
Site where the turf used to be near Cullen beach. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson

Rolls of artificial pitch at Cullen beach have finally been removed after environmental concerns.

The rolls of plastic turf are from Buckie High School’s old all-weather playing field. Cullen Golf Club now own them.

Last month, a member of the public raised concerns to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) about the material, which has been there since the end of last year.

Earlier this week, we told how the government watchdog had ordered the golf club to start the removal of the waste material by June 16.

Some particles have been seen blowing onto the nearby beach.

The former artificial playing surface from Buckie High School which lay beside the Cullen Golf Club. They sparked major concerns.  Image: Sandy McCook/DC Thomson

Last month, we reported that it was claimed a “massive miscommunication” had created the current situation.

The club said they only agreed to take a small amount for repairs to roads at the course.

While the council said the club asked for material from the Buckie pitch, and its storage was a matter for them.

Walkers on the beach at Cullen.

What has happened now?

Despite, a club spokesman telling us the work was still ongoing to remove the turf near the Cullen Links Golf Club.

It is now understood the turf was actually cleared on Monday.

On Tuesday, a club spokesman told the P&J: “Work is in progress to remove and clean up the area.

“We have hired a verified contractor who is starting some of the work.”

They previously said the club received no paperwork from the local authority in relation to the artificial turf delivery.

Cleared site. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson

Watchdog carrying out further work

Investigators will continue to monitor the situation.

A SEPA spokeswoman said: “SEPA is carrying out further work to confirm the materials have been disposed of appropriately and to ensure any remaining contamination is removed.

“Monitoring will continue until we are satisfied that the situation has been fully resolved.”

This story was updated on June 16, 2023, after it emerged the site was cleared.

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