Outdoors enthusiasts are being urged to stay away from a popular north-east beauty spot as potentially dangerous forestry operations begin today.
Tyrebagger Wood, three miles west of the city on the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road is normally well used by walkers and cyclists, but will be closed to the public until mid-February.
Forestry Commission Scotland’s Aberdeenshire representative Dan Cadle said: “We’ll be carrying out some essential thinning and a small amount of clear felling in the area and with public safety being our priority, we’ll close the wood – and both car parks – completely.
“Harvesting sites are dangerous, noisy places and anyone entering them without authorisation will be putting themselves – and our staff – in danger.
“It is vitally important that visitors observe the signage and do not try to come into the woods where we will be working.”
Visitors are being encouraged to use the Kirkhill Woods’ car park and trails on the other side of the A96 instead.
Other alternatives include Countesswells and Foggieton, about 10 minutes to the south between Kingswells and Cults.
As part of the work, the B979 between the Clinterty Road and A96 junctions will be closed next week from 9am to 3pm. The exact date for the closure has yet to be confirmed.