The closure of a vital tourist route into Moray has been delayed amidst fears it would clash with a major festival.
Aberdeenshire Council had announced plans to shut the A939 Tomintoul to Ballater road to do vital repairs on the historic Gairnshiel Bridge.
Significant concerns were raised, however, when it emerged the three-week project would coincide with the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival next month.
Now the authority has decided to reschedule the repairs to avoid putting off potential tourists from making the trip to the area.
The A939, which is commonly known as the “snow road”, is part of one of the north’s busiest tourist routes from Aberdeen, taking in Deeside, the Cairngorms and Speyside.
Thousands of whisky aficionados are expected to travel the route next month in order to enjoy the four-day festival celebration, which begin on May 3.
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead, said: “This whole situation was exactly what was meant to be avoided by an agreement reached with the council to consult with the community over such closures.
“I’m told that due to staff changes there was an oversight.
“It’s a reminder that we need both Moray and Aberdeenshire councils to discuss an urgent and temporary solution to the problems caused by 18th Century bridges, which keep having to be closed.”
Moray MP Douglas Ross added: “I’ve asked for these repairs to be done outside of the tourist season but it seems they cannot wait due to the scale of damage.”
Aberdeenshire Council has stressed it needs to balance the need for the works to take place with other events when planning repairs.
