Businesses could lose out on thousands of pounds as a popular north-east tourist road closes for two weeks – with a 47 mile detour.
The route along the B974 between Cairn O’Mount and Banchory is set to benefit from much needed repairs which will begin on Monday.
But local firms have blasted the lack of signs on the road to tell motorists it will still be open as usual at weekends.
Businesses along the route and those in Fettercairn feel that drivers will just avoid the whole area with the news of the closure.
And they claim they will miss out on thousands of pounds as a result.
Linda Stewart runs the Clatterin’ Brig restaurant which is on the Cairn O’Mount road:
She said: “I understand that the road needs to be fixed and we knew that this would be happening – but the signs on the road just say that it is closed for two weeks – there is nothing to say that it will still be open at the weekend.
“Not one sign says that it will be open on weekends – we are going to lose out on lots and lots of passing trade – people will absolutely avoid the place – we usually see anywhere between 150 to 250 people in on a normal weekend day.
“I wouldn’t like to think how much money we will lose.
“Unless you are local or really know the roads – you won’t be diverted to our restaurant and the only way to get to us will be the Drumtochty road.
“It is fair enough that the pot holes are fixed but we need much better information for drivers out there.”
Motorists are being diverted 43-miles along the Slug Road between Stonehaven and Banchory whilst the patch road repairs are carried out.
Fettercairn businessman, Cailean Livingston runs The Arch Bistro.
He added: “There is no sign at all in Fettercairn – drivers will have to go all the way up to Clatterin’ Brig and then be told to turn around.
“It will massively affect our takings we rely on passing trade, especially at weekends, we could lose £500 a day if people completely avoid the village, and they will if they think the road is closed at the weekend too.”
Encore Dress Agency owner, Carrie Murdoch mirrored the local feeling and added: “This happens every year and always at the time when the season starts to pick up – all my Deeside clients will stay away for sure.”
Aberdeenshire Council’s head of roads, landscape services and waste management, Philip McKay, said: “We appreciate the signed diversion route will be lengthy and apologise for any inconvenience caused, but we will do everything possible to ensure that this essential work is carried out in the shortest possible timescale. We appreciate the co-operation of road users during this period.”
An Aberdeenshire spokesman said last night that signs were currently being made to “inform road users that there is a local diversion for access to the Clatterin’ Brig restaurant”.