A stretch of north-east countryside which was once a historic horse fairground could be transformed into a tourist site to block travellers from using the land.
James Russell CBE and his son Alexander – who own the site at Aikey Brae near the north-east village of Old Deer – have submitted plans for a three-house development.
In recent years the area – which includes historic standing stones – has been a regular stopover for travellers, despite opposition from local residents.
As part of the planning application, the landowners are proposing that an abandoned council-owned quarry which neighbours their land could be transformed into a heritage site.
In a statement to Aberdeenshire Council, James Russell said: “We are aware that the council has suggested to the local community that the redundant quarry site be converted into a permanent site for travellers, and that three different options were put to the community in two successive well-attended public meetings as part of the council’s consultation process.
“Our proposal would give the council the opportunity to suggest a fourth option to the local community which we believe would be well received. That is to say, to use the redundant quarry site in conjunction with the standing stones to provide a year round visitor amenity.”
The Russell family said they would be prepared to contribute funds from the sale of the housing plots to the creation of the tourist area.
The money would pay for a “small-scale” visitor area with car parking and better access to the historic Aikey Brae standing stones.
Retired Ordance Survey worker Billie Rennie, who lives in nearby Stuartfield, has spent several years researching the history of the site.
Last night he said: “It was a trist, where people came from all over Scotland to see their cattle and horses. They congregated from all over the country.
“For years the quarry has been used by the travellers. They been doing it for 200 years. The difference is now we have new age travellers and foreign travellers using the land.”
The planning application has been submitted to Aberdeenshire Council for consideration.