A group of travellers have taken over the car park of an Aberdeenshire beauty spot.
In the last fortnight, approximately six vans have been camped out next to the Falls of Feugh in Banchory, in what they had described themselves as being a spot “dangerous for children”.
Aberdeenshire Council has already started legal proceedings to have them moved on, and it is expected they will be served with an eviction notice this week.
Local councillor Jill Webster, who lives nearby, approached one of the travellers shortly after they pitched up two weeks ago.
She said last night: “I suggested to them that it was not a safe place or suitable for them to stay, and they assured me that they were not planning to stay for long – they agreed that it wasn’t safe for children.”
Ms Webster welcomed the eviction order and acknowledged there should be some degree of tolerance, but added: “I have seen people drive past and slow down as if they have thought about going into the car park, but then kept going as if they had thought better of it.
“There is very little space in the car park for visitors for both the Falls and the restaurant. It’s a shame, because it is one of the most popular sites on Deeside and one outstanding natural beauty. I’m very frustrated at how long it has taken to get them moved on.”
Councillor Allan Hendry, chairman of the council’s gypsy-traveller sub-committee, said the authority was monitoring the situation.
He added: “It has been to court to get them removed and it will be going back this Wednesday to obtain the eviction order. Their presence is impacting on the restaurant across the road and the local councillors have been pushing to get them moved.”
A spokesman for the Falls of Feugh restaurant was not available to comment last night.