ABERDEENSHIRE East MSP Gillian Martin has backed new measures that will make it an offence to harass seals either intentionally or recklessly at a popular beauty spot.

The move has just been approved by Holyrood’s Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee and it means a new haul-out site will be created at the Ythan Estuary near Newburgh, which hundreds of seals currently inhabit.

The decision comes after legislation was brought forward in 2014 making it an offence to “recklessly or intentionally harass” seals at 194 haul-outs around Scotland.

Campaigners have also been calling for the site in Aberdeenshire to be given the same protection.

Martin said: “The beach at Newburgh is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Scotland and visitors regularly go there to see its natural beauty.

“Hundreds of seals inhabit the area they call home, feeding in the nearby waters and rearing pups.

“I am delighted the Scottish Government has taken the necessary steps to amend the legislation and include Ythan Estuary.

“It is a fantastic place for residents and tourists alike to visit, right on our doorstep. The seals can be viewed from the southern shore, which provides a great view and does not inadvertently disturb them.”

Ron Macdonald, former head of policy and advice in Scottish Natural Heritage is a regular visitor to the Ythan Estuary.

He said: “I welcome the much needed protection of the seal haul-out from the small minority of people who intentionally and recklessly harass the seals.

“I would like to thank Gillian Martin for listening to our concerns and raising these with the Scottish Government.”

The order, which is an amendment to the legislation brought in more than two years ago, will designate a site adjacent to mouth of the River Ythan.

Scotland currently has more seals than the rest of the European Union combined with 100,000 grey seals and a minimum of 21,300 common seals.

A public consultation on the issue was held between September and December 2015 with representatives from NGOs, scientists and a range of marine industries coming together to discuss the potential location for the haul-out at the site.