A scenic Deeside estate could soon offer visitors a new perspective on its wild landscape.
Plans have been lodged for a viewing area at Knockie Viewpoint, in the woodlands of the Glen Tanar Estate, between Aboyne and Ballater.
The proposals include new footpaths leading up to the area, where there will be benches with enough seating for 12 people and a curved stone wall of reclaimed granite from the estate.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) – which helps manage the nature reserve – has submitted a planning application to Aberdeenshire Council for the viewpoint.
The estate is home to one of the last strongholds of Scotland’s iconic Caledonian pine trees, red squirrels, capercaillie, birds of prey and reportedly even wildcats.
It attracts large numbers of visitors every year, from tourists to hillwalkers, fishermen, cyclists, deer stalkers and photographers.
The viewpoint would be constructed along a popular walking route through the nature reserve, which also takes in the Braeloine Visitor Centre and the Water of Tanar.
SNH’s Tayside and Grampian operations officer, Isla Martin, said the plans for Glen Tanar would offer people a new way to enjoy the “wealth of wildlife” in the woodlands.
She added: “This planned viewpoint will be a wonderful way for walkers and cyclists to easily access and enjoy Scotland’s beautiful landscapes – in particular, the Caledonian pine forest flourishing in Glen Tanar today.
“Glen Tanar is internationally recognised for its wildlife and plants, from rare capercaillie and devil’s tooth fungus to more common squirrels and deer.
“Because of this wealth of wildlife, the area became a national nature reserve in 1979, and continues to be managed by Glen Tanar Estate in partnership with Forestry Commission Scotland and SNH.
“The viewpoint will be about 1.5 kilometres (0.9 miles) along a forestry track from the visitor centre.
“After spending time appreciating the amazing view, visitors can either take the Knockie Viewpoint trail back to the visitor centre to find out more about Glen Tanar, or they can follow the old pines trail further into the reserve.”
