Strategic Landscape Capacity Assessment for Solar Energy in Angus

Scale

Medium, but with high sides. Solar PV development may introduce new human scale elements. Low/Medium

Landform

Steep sides enclosing flat or narrow valley floor. Medium/High

Pattern

Irregular. Relatively few boundaries or other pattern features. Dominated by landform. High

Development

Low to minimal development: tracks, occasional roads and houses. Small farmland areas. Medium/High

Quality

Most areas relatively natural and unaffected by development. A sense of wildness. High

Elements and Features

Dominated by landform features. Occasional farms and houses.

Trackways. Occasional fields and forestry. Medium/High

Context

Glens form part of the highland backdrop to Angus and are the main access into the National Park. High

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Receptors

Minimal number of residential receptors. Main receptors are recreational visitors to highlands and National Park. High

Internal Visibility

Corridor views/ vistas and slightly wider visibility from upper valley sides.

Medium

External Visibility

Only visible from Mid Highland Glens and Highland Summits and

Plateaux. Medium/Low

Overall Rating

Medium

Designations

No landscape designations although adjacent to National Park and NSA. Other designations include occasional listed buildings and SAMs. Cateran Trail in Glen Isla. Medium/High

Community Value

Used by visitors and local population for outdoor recreation or access to highland summit areas. High

Cultural Value

The Angus Glens are a key landscape feature of the local authority area. Former routes into/across Highlands. Occasional castles and hunting lodges. High

Perceptual

Tranquil, with a low level of development, elements of wildness and highly scenic views. Medium/High

Overall Rating

High

Scale

Medium to small, but with high sides. Medium

Landform

Steep sides enclosing flat or narrow valley floor. Medium

Pattern

Variable, dominated by landform but areas of flatter valley floors have field and woodland. Fields are predominantly pasture but with some arable. Medium/High

Development

Some development. Scattered farms/ dwellings along valley floors, becoming less developed higher up towards the upper glens. Medium

Quality

Many areas relatively natural and unaffected by development. Settled areas generally in scale and harmony with rural glen setting. Medium/High

Elements and Features

Dominated by landform features. Clusters of dwellings, farms and isolated houses in valley floor areas. Fields on valley floor and lower sides. Extensive broadleaved woodland and conifer plantations. Medium/High

Context

Glens form part of the backdrop to Angus and are the main access into the highland area. High

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Receptors

Low number residential receptors. Main receptors are recreational visitors to highlands and National Park. High

Internal Visibility

Corridor views/ vistas and slightly wider visibility from upper valley sides. Lower ground overlooked from valley sides. Medium/High

External Visibility

Mainly visible from Upper Highland Glens and Highland Summits and Plateaux but lower sections extensively visible from lowland areas to the south. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Designations

No landscape designations although adjacent to National Park. Other designations include HGDL in Glens Isla and Clova, occasional SAMs, Many listed buildings. Cateran Trail in Glen Isla. Medium/High

Community Value

Used by visitors and local population for outdoor recreation or access to highland summit areas. Visitor attractions. Medium/High

Cultural Value

The Angus Glens are a key landscape feature of the local authority area. Former routes into/across Highlands. Castles, hunting lodges and estate policies. High

Perceptual

Tranquil, with a balanced rural character, transitional between settled and wilder areas with highly scenic views. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Scale

Large but with high sides. Solar PV development may introduce new human scape elements. Medium/High

Landform

Rolling but often steep-sided hills of moderate elevation with occasional crags, steep corries, burns in gullies, folds or narrow upper glens. Medium/High

Pattern

Irregular patterns of heather, grassland and forestry, relating to landform. No field boundaries. High

Development

Little evidence of built development. Tracks, paths and occasional forestry. Medium/High

Quality

Generally well maintained/natural upland of heather with occasional planted forest. Medium/High

Elements and Features

Landform and vegetation cover is dominant. Few manmade features, boundaries etc. Medium/High

Context

These uplands border the mountains of the National Park and contain the Angus Glens. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium/ High

Receptors

Outdoor recreation receptors. Low population of residential receptors within or adjacent. Visible at distance from a wider area including a number of larger settlements and main transport routes. Medium/High

Internal Visibility

Extensive views across the type from the summits and ridges, but restricted in narrow valley and drainage landforms. Medium/High

External Visibility

Generally very conspicuous backdrop from lowland areas to the south within and beyond Angus. Any tall objects would also be highly visible from higher ground to the north. High

Overall Rating

Medium/ High

Designations

No landscape designations and few other designations but adjacent to National Park. Medium

Community Value

Important for outdoor recreation and access to higher summits to the north. A resource for sporting estates. Medium/High

Cultural Value

A setting to the Angus Glens. Some well known viewpoints. Medium

Perceptual

An open landscape with panoramic views and a sense of remoteness and wildness. Forming backdrop to lowland areas and foreground to National Park mountains. Enclosing skyline to many Angus Glens Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Scale

Medium with some small-scale areas. Low/Medium

Landform

Varied. Rolling and steep hills above undulating lower ground and narrow valleys. Burns often in gullies, folds or narrow glens. Medium/High

Pattern

Varied pattern from open hills to enclosed pasture farmland and shelterbelts. Medium/High

Development

Lack of larger settlements. Development limited to farms, isolated houses, steadings, small villages, minor roads. All areas traversed by a high voltage electricity line. Medium

Quality

Generally well maintained farmland and estate land. Medium/High

Elements and Features

Attractive hamlets, large houses/castles, woodland copses, hillforts, electricity transmission line. Field and road boundaries often have walls and hedges. Medium/High

Context

A transitional landscape marking the Highland boundary fault, separating the uplands of the Mounth from Strathmore. ‘Gateway’ to Angus Glens. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Receptors

Local population of residential receptors and travellers. More distant residential and travelling population in adjacent lowlands, Walkers, visitors to locations of interest. Medium/High

Internal Visibility

Varied visibility; between panoramic views from hilltops to narrow vistas from small glens. Medium

External Visibility

Generally quite visible from areas of population and transport corridors. Visible to receptors travelling to/from the Angus Glens. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Designations

No landscape designations. Many ancient woodlands and several SAMs (mainly settlements and hillforts) Medium/High

Community Value

Areas used by local residential population and visitors for informal

recreation. Sites of historic/ archaeological/ natural history interest. Medium/High

Cultural Value

Significant number of locations of archaeological/ historic interest including Caterthuns, Edzell Castle, Balintore Castle. Medium/High

Perceptual

Deeply rural landscape of highly varied interest and many attractive settings and views. Forms a ‘gateway’ to the Angus Glens. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Scale

Medium with some larger scale. Low

Landform

Rolling or conical hills and valleys of variable form. Occasional outcrops. Medium/High

Pattern

Diverse but typically higher ground is open and the lower areas with rectilinear patterns of medium-large scale fields and shelterbelts. Fields are predominantly pasture but with some arable on lower slopes and to the east. Medium/High

Development

Varies between areas of low development in some of the hills to lower farmland areas with settlements main roads, pylons and other infrastructure. Wind turbines and transmitter masts on some hills. Medium

Quality

Well managed open and enclosed farmland. Heather Moor variably managed with some areas reverting to scrub. Medium

Elements and Features

Plantations, tree belts in lower areas. Transmitter towers, wind turbines (Ark Hill and Scotston). Electricity transmission lines. Medium

Context

The Sidlaws form a backdrop to Dundee and the Firth of Tay and divide the lowland farming areas of Angus and Perthshire. Medium

Overall Rating

Medium

Receptors

Residential and travelling receptors within the LCA and surrounding areas. Outdoor recreational receptors on the hills. Medium/High

Internal Visibility

Extensive views from ridges and summits. More restricted views from valleys. Medium

External Visibility

Visible as a skyline landform from surrounding lower areas. Southern and eastern slopes particularly sensitive to views from large population but lower landforms well screened from surroundings. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Designations

No landscape designations. Some SSSIs. Kinpurney/ Auchterhouse Hill Forts. Medium

Community Value

Areas used by local residential population for informal recreation.

Viewpoints and footpaths. Medium

Cultural Value

Some archaeological/ historic interest including hillforts and cairns on summits and small castles on the periphery. Medium

Perceptual

Varied hill and farmland landscape forming backdrop to Dundee and the Tay, with some development of transmission towers windfarm. Open, but with little feeling of remoteness or naturalness. Medium/Low

Overall Rating

Medium

Scale

Medium, although overall scale of valley is very large. Low

Landform

Generally a simple, gently sloping or flat valley form but with areas of more complex fluvioglacial landform. Medium/Low

Pattern

Open, simple, regular large arable fields with variable field boundaries, predominantly post and wire fences. A network of shelterbelts and plantations although more open to the west. Low

Development

Well settled landscape with small towns, villages and a significant density of farms and houses. Areas crossed by major roads and a network of minor roads Medium/Low

Quality

Farmland intensively managed. Generally a well managed landscape although hedgerows/ trees are declining with expanded field sizes/ lack of management. Some sand and gravel quarrying and peri-urban landscapes detract. Medium/High

Elements and Features

Typical lowland farmland features together with roads and settlements. Tree/hedgerow boundaries to many fields but also low wall and post and wire. Generally arable occasionally with poly-tunnels and agricultural fleece. A number of large houses/ castles and designed landscapes including Glamis Castle. Electricity lines and some wind turbines. Medium

Context

Mid section of a vast lowland valley stretching from the River Tay in the southwest to Howe of the Mearns in the northeast, set between the Highland Boundary and volcanic hills to the south. Medium

Overall Rating

Medium

Receptors

Significant population of residential and transport receptors throughout. Visitors to attractions such as Glamis/ Kirriemuir. Medium/High

Internal Visibility

Wide open views across the valley and long distance views along it. Screening by shelterbelts and landforms from lower parts of the valley in some areas. Low/Medium

External Visibility

Views over valley from all higher surrounding areas. Sensitivity increases closest to higher ground. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Designations

Some significant designed landscapes. Many SAMs and listed buildings. Ancient Woodlands and SSSIs. Medium/High

Community Value

Setting and recreational amenity for a number of settlements and residents as well as visitor locations. Many core paths. Medium/High

Cultural Value

Designations reflect a rich past history of settlement and activity. Literary associations include JM Barrie. Medium/High

Perceptual

A settled, developed, active landscape with roads, buildings and large agricultural enterprises, although there are also many tranquil spots. Medium/Low

Overall Rating

Medium

Scale

Medium, with some smaller scale areas on hills. Low

Landform

A series of east-west ridges rising above more gently undulating farmland, with steep slopes and outcrops in places. Medium/High

Pattern

Variable, with lower angled areas having rectangular medium/large field patterns and hills and steeper slopes with smaller, broken patterns rising to open pasture. Mixture of arable and pasture with the latter becoming more common on higher ground. Medium

Development

Small settlements, scattered houses and farms. A network of mainly small roads. Medium

Quality

Managed farmland and open hilltops. Scenic areas within the hills. Medium

Elements and Features

Varied. Dense network of small roads, tracks, farms, houses and cottages. Hillforts and standing stones. Stone wall and hedge field boundaries. Small lochs between some hills. Electricity lines and telecommunications towers on some hills are detractors. Medium/High

Context

Several distinctive hilltops provide views across surrounding farmland area which merges into the Dipslope Farmland and Strathmore. Hills provide a backdrop to Strathmore and Forfar. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium

Receptors

Moderate to high population of residential and travelling receptors within area and close by. Hills visible from wider areas. Some visitors to hilltops, lochs etc. Medium/High

Internal Visibility

Fairly open landscape in which development is widely visible.

Medium/High

External Visibility

Hills widely visible from surrounding areas but lower ground between hills less so. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Designations

Hillfort and standing stone SAMs. SSSI Lochs. Small areas of inventory ancient woodland. Medium

Community Value

Informal recreation for local people and visitors. Network of footpaths and several viewpoints. Medium

Cultural Value

Hillforts, crosses (Aberlemno) and standing stones of historic interest.

Viewpoint on Balmashanner Hill. Some estates with listed buildings.

Medium

Perceptual

A varied rural landscape with distinctive hilltop views and relatively little development. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium

Scale

Medium to large, with smaller scale domestic reference features in farmland areas. Low

Landform

Undulating and gently rising to the north and west before sloping steeply down to Strathmore. Medium

Pattern

Predominantly medium/large rectilinear patterns of fields and forestry. Arable rectilinear field pattern. Medium/Low

Development

Small settlements, scattered houses and farms. A network of mainly small roads. Forestry area largely undeveloped. Medium

Quality

Managed farmland and forest. Deterioration in field boundaries. Medium

Elements and Features

Mainly arable farmland and mature forestry with intermittent stone wall and hedge field boundaries. Network of small roads, tracks, farms, houses and cottages in farmland area. Montreathmont forest is distinctive. Medium

Context

Elevated lowland farming area between Forfar Hills and Montrose Basin set between other lowland areas. Medium

Overall Rating

Medium/Low

Receptors

Moderate population of residential receptors. Some visitors to forest area. Network of mainly minor roads. Medium

Internal Visibility

Fairly open landscape, although Montreathmont forest provides significant screening across the centre. Medium

External Visibility

Edges visible from surrounding lower areas but central forest area mainly visible from higher ground including nearby hills and Rossie Moor. Medium

Overall Rating

Medium

Designations

Montreathmont forest is in ancient woodland inventory. Medium

Community Value

Network of forest paths provides informal recreation for local people and visitors. Medium

Cultural Value

Little of note. Melgund Castle. Some listed buildings. Medium/Low

Perceptual

A typical rural arable landscape with a distinctive large lowland forest that offers a sense of tranquillity and naturalness. Medium

Overall Rating

Medium

Scale

Medium, with some larger scale areas on highest ground but also with smaller domestic scale features. Medium

Landform

Gently rolling or undulating, with a north-south dip towards the sea and steeper northern slopes above Montrose Basin. Medium

Pattern

Large or medium rectilinear arable fields, woodland blocks, broken by watercourses on lower ground. Occasional open uncultivated areas on higher ground (e.g. Rossie Moor) or where field boundaries have been removed. Medium

Development

Bordering urban areas (Dundee, Carnoustie, Arbroath). Occasional villages and scattered hamlets, farms and houses. Main roads, railway line and a network of smaller roads. Disused quarries and airfields. Medium

Quality

Intensively managed agricultural landscape with some areas of

unimproved land and woodland and some areas of former mineral extraction. Areas of well-maintained designed landscape. Medium

Elements and Features

Arable farmland predominates. Scattered settlement dispersed

throughout. Occasional large houses and policies. Large farm buildings. Electricity pylons. Medium

Context

A large slightly elevated lowland farmland area set between igneous hills, Dundee and the North Sea. Medium

Overall Rating

Medium

Receptors

Moderate number of both travelling and residential receptors. Medium

Internal Visibility

Generally open views from higher areas, with some lower valley areas more restricted. Tree cover in the west restricts views. Development may sometimes be prominent at a distance. Medium/High

External Visibility

Varied. Few areas are prominent when seen from surroundings although the areas north and east of Dundee are potentially visible from a large population and Rossie Moor is visible from surrounding lower ground. Medium

Overall Rating

Medium

Designations

Designed landscapes at Pitmuies, Guthrie and Guynd. Large areas of SAMs along Lunan Water and Bay area. SSSIs. Scattered ancient woodland. Two country parks at Crombie and Monikie. Medium

Community Value

Setting to a number of settlements. Country parks, Golf Course, Medium

Cultural Value

Policy woodlands, SAMs. Castles. Medium

Perceptual

A vast area of open, intensively managed agricultural land with areas of more sheltered and intimate landscape in shallow valleys, settlements, designed landscapes and country parks. Medium

Overall Rating

Medium

Scale

Medium, but also with smaller domestic scale features. Low

Landform

Gently rolling or undulating, falling south and east from the Sidlaw Hills towards Dundee and the Firth of Tay. Medium

Pattern

Large or medium rectilinear arable fields, woodland blocks, broken by occasional watercourses on lower ground. Low

Development

Bordering urban area of Dundee although city screened. Villages and scattered hamlets, farms and houses. Main roads and a network of smaller roads. Disused airfield. Large electricity substation. Medium

Quality

Intensively managed agricultural landscape with woodland areas. Medium

Elements and Features

Arable farmland predominates. Scattered settlement dispersed throughout. Large farm buildings. Golf courses. Quarry. Several electricity transmission lines. Occasional wind turbines. Medium

Context

A settled area of elevated lowland arable farmland area set between the Sidlaw hills and Dundee. Medium

Overall Rating

Medium

Receptors

Moderate number of both travelling and residential receptors. Close to Dundee (although southern edge is a screening ridge). Overlooked by walkers/ viewpoints on Sidlaw Hills Medium

Internal Visibility

Mainly open with small woodlands partially screening views. Medium/High

External Visibility

Limited. Although overlooked by Sidlaws they screen views from further north and west. Although close to Dundee views from the city are limited by containing landform. Medium

Overall Rating

Medium

Designations

Small areas of inventory ancient woodland. Occasional SAMs. Listed buildings Medium

Community Value

Setting to a number of small settlements and backdrop to Dundee. Adjacent country parks in Dundee. Forest access land. Golf Course. Medium/High

Cultural Value

No notable features. Some SAMs and listed buildings. Medium/Low

Perceptual

An area of open, intensively managed agricultural land with a number of settlements forming a hinterland to Dundee and rising into the Sidlaw Hills. Medium

Overall Rating

Medium

Scale

Medium, with some smaller scale areas and features associated with villages and country parks and larger open areas to the north. Low

Landform

Gently rolling or undulating, with a north-south dip towards the sea. Medium/Low

Pattern

Medium rectilinear arable fields broken up by woodlands. Occasional open uncultivated areas on higher ground. Low/Medium

Development

Bordering urban areas in south (Monifieth, Carnoustie). Occasional villages and scattered hamlets, farms and houses. Less populated in the north. Main road in south and a network of smaller roads. Medium/High

Quality

Intensively managed agricultural landscape with some areas of

unimproved land and significant areas of well maintained recreational and designed landscape. Medium/High

Elements and Features

Arable farmland predominates but also significant areas of country parks and estate policies (Panmure house demolished in 1950s). Settlement dispersed throughout. Large farm buildings. Electricity pylons. Medium/High

Context

A slightly elevated arable farmland area close to Dundee with significant areas of enclosure and recreational landscapes. Medium

Overall Rating

Medium

Receptors

High number of both travelling and residential receptors within or nearby. Medium/High

Internal Visibility

Generally open views from higher and treeless areas to N and S. Tree cover restricts views elsewhere. Medium

External Visibility

Varied. Few areas are prominent when seen from surroundings although overlooked by higher ground to N and E and from edge of Dundee. Visible as backdrop from coast. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Designations

Two country parks at Crombie and Monikie. Inventory ancient woodland at Panmure estate. Some SAMs and listed buildings associated with estates. National Trust site at Barry Mill. Peat bog SSSI. Medium/High

Community Value

Setting to a number of settlements. Two country parks. Medium/High

Cultural Value

Panmure estate and a number of SAMs. Medium

Perceptual

A varied area of farmland close to Dundee with a number of settlements significant enclosed areas of mature woodland including two country parks and a relict estate landscape. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Scale

Medium, with some larger scale areas on highest ground where field boundaries are removed and trees are few. Also smaller domestic scale features. Low

Landform

Gently rolling or undulating, with a NW-SE dip towards the sea and lower farmland. Medium/Low

Pattern

Large or medium rectilinear arable fields, many where field boundaries have been removed. Occasional woodland blocks. Medium

Development

Scattered hamlets, farms and houses. Main roads and a network of smaller roads. Disused quarries. Low/Medium

Quality

Intensively managed agricultural landscape with declining field

boundaries, some areas of woodland and some former mineral extraction. Area of well maintained designed landscape. Medium

Elements and Features

Arable farmland with intermittent boundaries predominates. Scattered minor settlement dispersed throughout. Large house and policies at Guynd. Large farm buildings. Electricity pylons. Medium

Context

A large, intensively managed elevated arable farmland area set above the North Sea and surrounded by similar farmland. Medium

Overall Rating

Medium

Receptors

Moderate number of travelling and low number of residential receptors. Medium/Low

Internal Visibility

Generally open views, although tree cover around Guynd restricts views. Development can be prominent at a distance. Medium/High

External Visibility

Varied. Few areas are prominent when seen from surroundings, but often forming a low horizon. Medium

Overall Rating

Medium

Designations

Designed landscape at Guynd. Some SAMs and listed buildings. Little inventory ancient woodland. Medium

Community Value

Setting to small settlements and houses. Medium/ Low

Cultural Value

House and designed landscape at Guynd. A few SAMs and listed

buildings. Medium

Perceptual

An area of open, intensively managed arable land with few features and limited areas of more sheltered and intimate landscape. Medium/Low

Overall Rating

Medium/Low

Scale

Medium, with many smaller scale areas/ features associated with settlements and watercourses. Low

Landform

Gently rolling or undulating, shallow and sometimes indistinct valley sides, and often flat valley floors gradually descending to the North Sea coast. Medium

Pattern

Medium rectilinear arable fields, woodland blocks, broken by watercourses on lower ground. Low

Development

Bordering or containing urban areas/ villages (Arbroath, Letham, Friockheim). Hamlets, farms and houses. Main roads, railway line and a network of smaller roads. Golf course. Disused quarries and airfields. Medium/High

Quality

Intensively managed agricultural landscape with some areas of woodland and some areas of former mineral extraction. Areas of well maintained designed landscape and golf course. Medium

Elements and Features

Arable farmland predominates. Mixture of stone walls, post and wire fences and open field edges. Areas of poly-tunnels. Watercourses. Settlement dispersed throughout. Main roads often following valley and linking settlements. Network of minor roads. Large farm buildings. Occasional wind turbines. Medium

Context

A settled, lowland, arable farmland area situated mainly in shallow valleys and often sheltered by areas of higher farmland. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium

Receptors

Moderate to high number of both travelling and residential receptors. Medium/High

Internal Visibility

Generally open mid-distance views, although tree cover restricts views in many locations. Large areas of development can be prominent at a distance. Medium

External Visibility

Varied but some parts are less visible than surrounding Dipslope Farmland areas. Medium

Overall Rating

Medium

Designations

Designed landscapes at Pitmuies and Guthrie. Large areas of SAMs along Lunan Water and Bay area. Significant numbers of listed buildings. Scattered inventory of ancient woodland. Medium/High

Community Value

Setting and travel routes to a number of settlements. Golf Course.

Medium/High

Cultural Value

Designed landscapes, SAMs and listed buildings. Medium/High

Perceptual

An area of intensively managed agricultural land with areas of more sheltered and intimate landscape in shallow valleys, settlements and designed landscapes. Medium

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Scale

Medium but also with smaller domestic scale features in more sheltered and woodland/ plantation areas. Fairly limited extent. Low

Landform

Gently rolling or undulating, falling inland to shallow valleys and towards the sea. Low/Medium

Pattern

Large or medium rectilinear arable fields with poly-tunnels and woodland blocks, broken by watercourses on lower ground. Low/Medium

Development

Occasional farms and houses. Main road and railway line and a network of smaller roads. Medium

Quality

Intensively managed agricultural landscape with small areas of estate policies/ plantation woodland. Medium/High

Elements and Features

Arable farmland predominates with poly-tunnels locally common. Low stone walls towards the sea but more mixed boundaries including hedges inland. Scattered houses dispersed throughout including large listed houses/ castles which are now hotels. Large farm buildings. Communications masts. Medium/High

Context

A slightly elevated lowland farmland area set above Arbroath and surrounding shallow valleys and exposed to the North Sea, but with more intimate and sheltered inland areas. Medium

Overall Rating

Medium

Receptors

Moderate number of both travelling and residential receptors within or nearby. Coastal walkers and cycleway. Guests at hotels. Medium/High

Internal Visibility

Generally open exposed views from higher areas, with some lower areas more restricted. Tree cover further inland restricts views. Development can be prominent at a distance. Medium/High

External Visibility

Mainly visible at close or middle distance from surrounding farmland and coastal areas. Development would be fairly widely visible. Medium

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Designations

Scattered inventory ancient woodland. Occasional SAMs and a number of listed buildings. Medium

Community Value

Background setting to Arbroath. Cycle route. Medium/Low

Cultural Value

Large houses/ castle and policy woodlands, SAMs. Medium

Perceptual

A small area of open, intensively managed agricultural land elevated above its surroundings and exposed to the North Sea coast, with areas of more sheltered and intimate landscape in small estate landscapes. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium

Scale

Medium, with some larger scale areas on highest ground but also with smaller domestic scale features. Low

Landform

Rolling or undulating. A broad hill with a south and east dip towards the sea and the Lunan Water and steeper northern slopes above Montrose Basin. Medium/High

Pattern

Large or medium rectilinear arable fields often with boundaries removed, woodland blocks, broken by watercourses on lower ground. Open uncultivated area on higher ground at Rossie Moor. Medium/High

Development

No villages. Scattered hamlets, farms and houses. Main road, railway line in east. Sparse network of smaller roads in west. Medium

Quality

Intensively managed agricultural landscape with varied field boundaries, some areas of natural moorland and woodland and a quarry. Medium

Elements and Features

Arable farmland predominates. Scattered small settlement throughout. Occasional castle/ large houses and policies. Rossie school. Large farm buildings. Communications mast. Medium

Context

A large elevated lowland farmland area set between Montrose Basin, Lunan Water and the North Sea. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium

Receptors

Moderate number of travelling and residential receptors. Coastal walkers and cycle route nearby. Medium

Internal Visibility

Generally open views. Tree cover and landform restricts views in places. Development can be prominent at a distance. Medium/High

External Visibility

Generally visible and sometimes prominent from surrounding lower ground and further afield. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Designations

Designed landscape at Dunninald Castle. SSSI at Rossie Moor. Grade A listed buildings at Braikie and Dunninald. Scattered inventory ancient woodland. Medium

Community Value

Walks across Rossie Moor and adjacent woodlands. Cycle route. Medium

Cultural Value

Two castles. Designed landscape. Medium

Perceptual

A large area of open, intensively managed agricultural land and scattered houses, with a small area of more natural moorland landscape. Forms a backdrop to Montrose Basin and town. Unfrequented in the west but transport corridors pass through the east. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium

Scale

Medium, with smaller scale features. Generally limited in area.

Low

Landform

Flat, open, low lying, with mature dunes and small escarpments. Medium

Pattern

Predominantly simple but varied between regular pattern in cultivated farmland areas, linear pattern in beach areas, organic pattern in golf courses and irregular pattern in dunes. Medium/High

Development

Varies between influence of adjacent urban margins to occasional isolated hamlets and houses. Roads (mainly minor) and railway. One small fishing village. Golf courses. Medium

Quality

Varied. Generally scenic due to open sea views. Often intensively managed (golf courses and arable farming). In places character is compromised by adjacent urban development. Medium

Elements and Features

Sandy beaches and mature dunes. Flatness and open sea views. Golf courses. Former WW2 airstrips and defences (current military range at Barry Budden) Medium/High

Context

Mainly a narrow strip between farmland, settlements and the sea. Sometimes indistinct transition into inland farmland areas. Medium

Overall Rating

Medium

Receptors

Low population of residential receptors with greater numbers immediately adjacent. Travelling population on road and rail. Cyclists. Beachwalkers and golfers. Sailors and Kayakers. Medium/High

Internal Visibility

Wide open views with some local restrictions due to dunes/ landforms and occasional blocks of trees at Barry Budden and Montrose. Development can be prominent in this landscape type. High

External Visibility

Visible from adjacent higher ground and urban areas. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Designations

SSSI and SAC at Barry Budden and SSSI north of Montrose. SAMs at Lunan Bay. Medium

Community Value

Setting for local residents in houses/ villages. Most areas easily accessible from neighbouring settlements and holiday caravan parks for formal and informal recreation. Golf courses. Cycle routes. Beach walks. High

Cultural Value

Historic/ attractive villages. Some locations of archaeological/ historic interest. Medium

Perceptual

Windswept coastal strips with accessible sandy beaches and hinterland which whilst undramatic in landform provide tranquillity, recreational access and open views. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Scale

Medium, with smaller scale features (cliffs generally up to 30m but escarpments up to 80m). Generally limited in area. Low

Landform

Gently sloping with small rocky cliffs, rocky reefs, bays, inlets and rocky escarpments. Medium/High

Pattern

Varied between regular pattern in arable farmland areas with areas of poly-tunnels to complex and irregular pattern in rocky cliff areas. Medium/High

Development

Varies between influence of adjacent urban margins to occasional isolated hamlets and houses and stretches with no settlement/ roads. A number of small fishing villages/ havens and harbours. Roads (mainly minor) and railway. Golf courses. Medium/High

Quality

Varied. Generally scenic due to open sea views and cliff landforms. Hinterland often intensively managed (arable farming). In places character is compromised by adjacent urban development. Medium/High

Elements and Features

Rocky outcrops and cliffs characterised by very varied eroded form with many caves, arches and small stacks/ outcrops. Small coves, havens and harbours. Lighthouse at Scurdie Ness. Open and distant sea views. Medium/High

Context

A narrow strip between farmland, settlements and the sea but with dramatic elevated views and considerable detail and interest. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Receptors

Low population of residential receptors with greater numbers immediately adjacent. Travelling population on road and rail. Cyclists and walkers. Sailors and Kayakers. Medium/High

Internal Visibility

Wide open views. Development can be prominent in this landscape type. High

External Visibility

Visible from adjacent urban areas, hinterland, sandy coastline and other headlands. Development can be prominent along the coastal strip. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Designations

SSSI along most lengths of rocky coast. Medium/High

Community Value

Setting for local residents in houses/ villages. Most areas easily accessible from neighbouring settlements and holiday caravan parks for formal and informal recreation. Cycle routes. Clifftop walks. High

Cultural Value

Historic/ attractive fishing villages. Some locations of archaeological/ historic interest including clifftop forts and castles. Medium

Perceptual

Windswept coastal strips with accessible clifftop walks and secluded beaches/ havens providing tranquillity, dramatic interest, recreational access and open views. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Scale

Medium to large. Medium/Low

Landform

Flat, open, low lying tidal basin and farmland contained by surrounding higher areas of farmland. Small scale steep slopes on raised beaches and river embankments Medium

Pattern

Varied. Open, large-scale basin to E. Rectilinear arable fields to W and more organic patterns within Kinnaird deer park. Low/Medium

Development

Montrose to E of basin, otherwise small hamlets and scattered farms/ houses. Fringed by main roads, crossed by minor roads, railways Medium

Quality

Well managed farmland. Estate policies. Basin managed for wildlife. Attractive rural settlements. Medium/High

Elements and Features

Tidal basin is unique in Scotland. Shorelines, mudflats and tidal watercourses. Rich natural heritage. Arable farmland with mature deciduous/mixed woodlands, avenue trees, hedges. Town of Montrose. Attractive hamlets. Kinnaird House and deer park. Medium/ High

Context

Generally lowland surroundings. Unique basin provides a setting for Montrose. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Receptors

Moderate/ high number of residential receptors as overlooked by Montrose in addition to small settlements. Significant travelling population along peripheral main roads. Visitors to attractions including wildlife centre, House of Dun, Montrose. Medium/High

Internal Visibility

Clear inter-visibility within basin area but some screening by trees in western part. Medium/High

External Visibility

Overlooked from higher surrounding areas to north and south, but screened from a distance. As a result, development would be prominent in this type. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium/High

Designations

Basin is a SSSI. HGDLs and listed buildings at Kinnaird castle and House of Dun (adjacent). Medium/High

Community Value

Areas used by local residential population and visitors for formal/informal recreation. Visitor attractions including SWT visitor centre, Caledonian railway. Medium/High

Cultural Value

HGDLs. Some SAMs. Caledonian Railway. Historic town of Montrose Medium/High

Perceptual

A unique tidal basin feature with water and sky reflections, set in a wider lowland farmland landscape. Provides a setting for the town of Montrose. Hinterland of well-managed farmland, mature trees and attractive hamlets and houses. Medium/High

Overall Rating

Medium/High