A councillor is calling for an urgent review of the infrastructure around the iconic gateway to an Aberdeenshire village at the foot of the Grampian mountains.
Mearns councillor, George Carr, is calling for the roads around Fettercairn’s Royal Arch to be reassessed by Aberdeenshire Council following a string of complaints from local residents.
The landmark structure was erected in 1864 at a cost of £250 to commemorate an overnight stay by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in September, 1861.
The royal couple had been travelling from their holiday home on the Balmoral Estate, crossing Mount Keen, and arrived in the village before returning back to Deeside via the Cairn O Mount.
Crowds of locals are said to have gathered in the streets of Fettercairn when word of their arrival got out.
Now Conservative councillor, Mr Carr, is putting pressure on council officers to consult with locals and review the layout around the historic archway.
He said concerns had been raised from “far and wide” after new traffic restrictions were put in place at the spot to protect the historic structure, with some motorists said to have suffered scrapes and wheel damage.
Mr Carr added: “The original work to the road layout at Fettercairn Arch was never considered by councillors, but was implemented by roads officers in an attempt to protect the historic structure.
“Unfortunately, since this work took place, many cars have been damaged, and last summer, more than one caravan got stuck which took several hours to jack up and release.
“Traffic movement around the village is important for the shops and businesses, so any disruption or drivers avoiding the Arch can affect local trade adversely.
“I hope this consultation will result in improvements so that traffic can negotiate Fettercairn easily and without vehicles being damaged”
The Mearns Community Council are also calling for the council to review the effectiveness of the current road layout.
An Aberdeenshire Council spokeswoman said: “Roads officers met with local councillors recently to discuss the issue, after which one of the councillors asked the relevant community council members to get in touch with our roads manager to arrange a meeting.”
She added they had received no contact from the group yet, but were “willing to meet” members should they contact the local authority.
