Dog walker warns of "quicksand" at Sanquhar pond, Forres
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A CONCERNED Forres resident is warning of potential danger at a local beauty spot.
Harriet Hynam from Bogton Road rescued her friend’s 13-year-old labrador Briagh when she became trapped in mud at the edge of Sanquhar pond.
Harriet said: “Whilst the dog was exploring what looked to be a solid bank, it soon became apparent that it was mud that resembled quicksand. Briagh started to sink and struggled to get out of the soft, deep mud. I had to go in and help her as she would not have gotten out on her own. I was waist deep in seconds and really struggled to drag her over to the footpath. I’m lucky that I’m fit and had a friend nearby to help. As soon as Briagh was safe I freed myself which caused considerable panic as the mud was extremely hard to get out of.”
Briagh was OK after the incident but Harriet was shaken and sore. She remains worried that children could get trapped.
“Anyone smaller than me or an elderly person or pet could easily drown there,” she said. “The rising silt level at Sanquhar is a danger that could result in fatality.”
Harriet told Moray Council about the incident but claimed “past concerns have been laughed off during land surveys”.
She said: “The area in question is just off the path. It’s close to the water at the exit of the pond on the side farthest away from the car park. I would like the council to re-survey the area, especially the parts where silt has been rising. They need to put some warning signs up before making it safer.”
A Moray Council spokeswoman said Harriet has been sent a response to her email. She added: “Dog owners are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of themselves and their animals. However, our lands and parks, and consultancy, teams are investigating to see what can be done to warn walkers about the soft bank.”
Meanwhile, Brian McDonald of the Sanquhar Working Group confirmed there are areas where silt has built up but cannot think where the mud would be waist deep.
He said: “Recent flooding has created marshy areas where that may have occurred. Waterways can be dangerous so caution should be exercised at all times when exercising with children and pets. The pathways we have constructed, provide safe access for walkers and wheelchair users and should be adhered to at all times as the pond and its environs are wild areas. Caution should always be practised when deviating from pathways especially in the winter.”
