The team responsible for maintaining a popular Aberdeenshire woodland have slammed irresponsible mountain bikers for damaging a 4,000-year-old burial cairn.
Forestry Commission Scotland believe people have been building bike jumps and trails on Gallows Hill, a scheduled ancient monument in Stonehaven’s Dunnottar Woods.
Fires have also been set in the woods in recent weeks – prompting police to announce they will be stepping up patrols in the area to crack down on antisocial behaviour.
Last night, Forestry Commission Scotland described the behaviour as “pure and simple” vandalism and appealed for local residents, dog walkers and others who use the woods to help by reporting any incidents.
A spokesman said: “We have repeatedly advised mountain bikers that it is not acceptable that they go ahead and build unauthorised trails and jumps. It causes damage to woodland and to fragile ancient monuments which are of great interest to those who enjoy them responsibly.
“The trails and jumps are poorly built and unsafe to the point of being hazardous and are also a danger to other forest users.
“A significant number of features have been constructed on Gallows hill within the woodland, a site which is very fragile and which has been exposed to immense damage. It’s vandalism, pure and simple, and if anyone has information about who is responsible, we would urge them to call the police or our local office.”
He added there were dedicated mountain bike trails at Pitfichie, near Monymusk, and Kirkhill, just outside Aberdeen, where cyclists could enjoy their hobby without damaging the environment.
Last week, the Kincardine and Mearns policing team stepped up patrols in Stonehaven after a group of four youngsters were seen setting a fire in the Gallows Hill area.
Sergeant Simon Reid said: “We recognise that with the longer days and better weather youths will be enjoying the outdoors.
“Setting fires is inherently dangerous in terms of possible injury and damage and I want youths to consider the consequences their actions would have.”