Two Aberdeenshire beauty spots that have been plagued by irresponsible parking in recent weeks will have strict traffic management in place from this weekend.
Both the Linn of Dee and Loch Muick in Deeside have been highly popular destinations during the school summer holidays.
And although many visitors have acted responsibly, a great deal of drivers have been arriving at the car parks, finding them full, and leaving their vehicles parked dangerously on verges or passing places, causing major access problems.
Access to Loch Muick will now be limited at the entrances to Glen Muick once the car park is full, with staffed barriers and cars only being allowed in if there is capacity in the car park.
And at the Linn of Dee near Braemar, once the Quoich and Linn of Dee car parks are full people will be asked to use a new overflow car park just before the Linn of Dee itself.
And if this new location also becomes full, visitors will be asked to find somewhere else to enjoy the great outdoors.
The formal restrictions will commence from Saturday, and last for 21 days.
A further extension beyond the initial 21-day period will be kept under consideration if required.
None of the restrictions will apply to those on foot, on bicycles, emergency vehicles, or vehicles requiring access to properties.
A statement from Aberdeenshire Council said: “This has been an exceptionally busy summer and Aberdeenshire Council, the Cairngorms National Park Authority and the estates are working closely together to try and ensure that people can enjoy these locations but that the demand does not exceed capacity to cope in these key locations.
“The Cairngorms National Park is 4,500 square kilometres (1737 square miles), and so there are plenty of alternatives for people to consider.
“There are 666 miles of core paths and quieter locations for people to enjoy around the park.”
