Villagers have hit out at the increasing number of visitors flocking to a beauty spot since it became an online sensation.
The picturesque Tillyfourie Quarry, near Inverurie, has captured the imagination of hundreds after it “blew up” on social media.
Many young people only learned of its existence when they were exploring their local area during lockdown.
But residents are growing exasperated at drivers parking on verges near the quarry and have threatened them with police action.
Notes left on windshields in recent days state: “Do not park here again. This car is obstructing a main road and partially on private land.
“The police have been contacted and your registration number passed on.”
In the quarry’s heyday there were 1,000 masons employed there and its granite was used in the foundations of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia, the Victoria Docks in Liverpool and the Thames embankment in London and in the construction of the Colpy and Huntly Bypass.
The now disused quarry has since filled with water and become popular with swimmers – as well as providing an exotic backdrop for photographs on Instagram.
It is classed as a “public tourist attraction” and located between Alford and Monymusk at the A944/B993 junction.
Last night Police Scotland confirmed that officers had attended the road twice in the last month – but had not deemed the parking they found to be dangerous and, as a result, not taken action.
Aberdeenshire Council also advised the public to “park in a safe and courteous manner when visiting all local attractions.”
However, the local authority’s road department has not received any complaints in regards to the road to date.
However week, piles of litter and evidence of “public toileting” in places such as Tillyfourie Quarry were criticised by council officers.
Belinda Miller, head of Aberdeenshire Council’s economic development and protective Services said: “Some of the scenes which have been reported such as widespread littering and public toileting are absolutely vile and they have no place in our countryside. There is no excuse for littering – if you bring it with you, you can take it home.”
This week, the Press and Journal’s photographer also stumbled across an abandoned barbecue as well as countless plastic bottles, cider cans and beer bottles.
