Two male motorcyclists have been charged with various alleged road traffic offences as a result of a Police Scotland operation to tackle the illegal use of motor vehicles within forests across Aberdeenshire.
The men, aged 26 and 50, were traced around Inglismaldie Wood near Laurencekirk and have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
A further motorcyclist, aged 25, was also charged after being traced near Cushnie Woods.
PC Malcolm Kinross said: “Walkers, mountain bikers, horse riders and other members of the public are freely enjoying the forests and this enjoyment is ruined by inconsiderate motorists who seem to have little regard for the safety of themselves and others.
“This minority will be dealt with robustly as officers continue to tackle this type of behaviour.
“Anyone who witnesses such illegal activity is encouraged to report this through Police Scotland’s non-emergency line – 101.
“They should report as much detail as possible including location, registration, colour of vehicle and detail of the driver/riders clothing.”
Forestry Entrerprise Scotland (FES) staff have placed signs at all gates indicating the name of the access point to help the public report such matters.
Dan Cadle for the FES team in Aberdeenshire, said: “We are pleased that our partnership with Police Scotland is proving effective in tackling this issue and we hope that other riders out there will sit up and take notice.
“Their inconsiderate actions are not only illegal but also potentially dangerous – both for people working in or visiting the woodlands we manage and for the riders themselves.”