A Scots couple were left ‘inches away from a 30ft plunge’ onto sharp rocks after torrential rain caused the estuary path to crumble underneath their feet.
Andrew Chalmers and his partner Tegan Henderson, 18, were taking in the sights at Montrose Basin, in Angus, on Monday afternoon when the weather took a turn for the worse.
The 21-year-old told how the duo were left walking at a 45 degree angle as the muddy path 'turned to slush' leaving them fearing for their lives.
The emergency services were called with the RNLI, HM Coastguard and police racing to the scene shortly after 4pm.
Andrew has thanked his rescuers who scaled the steep hill to save the stricken couple who were mostly unharmed despite their ordeal.
He said: “My partner and I went out for a walk along Montrose Basin to see wildlife and take photographs on Monday afternoon.
“But the rain got so heavy that the tiny muddy path started to deteriorate as we were walking along it.
“It was like a 45 degree angle and it started getting really dangerous. I slipped and nearly fell down a 30ft drop onto the rocks and brambles.
“We decided to stop and call 101. The police arrived while the Coastguard was on their way. The inshore lifeboat also launched with three crew members with one staying on the boat while the other two scaled up the hill to try and help us.
“They linked arms with me and my partner as we walked sideways along the path. I slipped and nearly fell - hurting my hip.
“Luckily, with the strength of the two lifeboat crew, they managed to pull me back up and we got back safely in the end.”
He added: “I donated some money to the RNLI and Coastguard today because they both do a really fantastic job. We’re so grateful for their help.”
A HM Coastguard spokesman added: “After the call came in from police Montrose inshore lifeboat was launched.
“It went to the aid of the couple along with coastguard teams from Arbroath, Dundee and Stonehaven.
“The teams were able to lead the pair to safety by walking them along the path.
“The lifeboat remained on standby during the rescue operation.”
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