Aberdeenshire Visitor Management Plan 2021 Overview This Plan is an wide plan for re-opening the countryside through the easing of lockdown under the terms of the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 Routemap. The plan ties in with specific plans put in place by individual landowners and National Park Authority. Aberdeenshire Council is working under the official guidance and documentation published by the Scottish Government. The council is working in partnership with partners, stakeholders, businesses and communities in relation to COVID-19.

The purpose of the Visitor Management Plan is to:

• Provide a warm welcome and support exceptional experiences for the public to enjoy the outdoors • Mitigate any negative impacts from increased recreation in sensitive or popular sites • Demonstrate actions being taken to mitigate the impact of visitors activity on local communities • Promote collaboration across estate and organisational boundaries ensuring a positive visitor experience. • Agree visitor infrastructure priorities for the area

Quick Links within the Plan

• Car Parks and Public Toilets • Coast and Countryside Hot Spots • Community Engagement, Consultation, Communications and Messaging • Key Contacts and Links • List of 'no-promotion' sites • National messaging & comms and launch of ’s Responsible Tourism Promise • Paths Closure List • Public Toilet open/closed status • Resources and Staff • Scottish Government Timetable for planned easing of restrictions • Town and village Hot Spots • Traffic Management, Roads, Landscape & Waste and Signage • Visitor Management

Scottish Government Timetable for planned easing of restrictions From Friday, April 2

The ‘Stay at Home’ requirement is due to be lifted and replaced with a ‘Stay Local’ message.

Restrictions on moving between local authority areas, unless for an essential reason, are expected to remain in place for at least three weeks from this date.

From Monday, April 5

The following changes are due to take effect in all Level 4 areas, including Aberdeenshire. Some of these measures are already permitted in Level 3 island communities:

• the resumption of outdoor contact sport for 12-17-year-olds • reopening of non-essential ‘click and collect’ retail • extending the list of retail permitted to include: o garden centres (indoor and outdoor) o key cutting shops o mobility equipment shops o baby equipment shops o electrical repair shops o hairdressers and barbers (with shopfronts – not mobile services), by appointment only o homeware shops o vehicle showrooms (appointment only) and forecourts o The prohibition of in-home socialising will continue to be kept under review at this date.

From Monday, April 12, or Monday, April 19 (depending on term times)

All children are expected to be able to return to school on a full-time basis.

From Monday, April 26

A more significant reopening of the economy and society is expected from this date. This will likely include the following changes, some of which are already permitted in Level 3 communities:

• extending outdoor socialising to permit up to 6 people from up to 3 households to gather • allowing 12-17-year-olds to meet outdoors in groups of 6 from up to 6 households • travel within all of mainland Scotland permitted (arrangements for island communities to be discussed) • remaining shops can reopen, and mobile close contact services can resume • gyms can reopen for individual exercise • tourist accommodation to reopen (self-catering accommodation to be restricted in line with rules on indoor gathering) • libraries, museums, galleries reopen • outdoor hospitality to open till 10pm with alcohol permitted. Indoor hospitality permitted without alcohol and closing at 8pm • social mixing in indoor public places will be subject to current maximum of 4 people from up to 2 households. • The prohibition of in-home socialising will continue to be kept under review at this date.

It is expected that all parts of Scotland currently in Level 4 (including Aberdeenshire) will be able to move down to a modified Level 3 at this stage.

From Monday, May 17

It is hoped the following easing of restrictions will take effect from this date:

• re-introducing in-home socialising for up to 4 people from up to 2 households • further re-opening of hospitality: bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes can stay open until 10.30pm indoors with alcohol permitted and two-hour time- limited slots, and until 10pm outdoors with alcohol permitted • adult outdoor contact sport and indoor group exercises can resume • cinemas, amusement arcades and bingo halls can re-open • small scale indoor and outdoor events can resume, subject to capacity constraints (to be confirmed following stakeholder engagement) • non-professional performance arts can resume outdoors

It is hoped that all Level 3 areas, or as many as possible, will be able to move to Level 2 at this stage.

From June

Specific dates beyond May have not been finalised, but it is hoped that from the start of June the whole of Scotland will move back to Level 1 restrictions, and that by the end of the month restrictions can drop further to Level 0.

1. Key Countryside, Town and Village Hotspots Very popular, pinch points on trails, could be on a dead-end road, limited parking and overspill sites, popular hills, parks or beauty spots, heavily promoted by third parties, close to main transport routes, i.e. trunk roads and accessible from large towns. Popular, parking previously sufficient for level of use, setting off point for hills or beauty spots and promoted by 3rd parties, likely to experience overspill from nearby popular sites Less popular, sufficient parking, generally used by residents

1.1 Coast and Countryside Hot Spots 2. Countryside Council area e.g. Risk Likely issues Landowner Any other friends Car Park Toilets. Location , CNPA or community Capacities & groups other relevant associated with info site Aden CP Popular destination, play AC Friends of Aden Open park

Bullers of Buchan Buchan Limited car park, v. popular during seabird season, narrow paths

Clunie Flats Marr Invercauld No No Estate

Coastal Path Cullen to Banff & Buchan Some sections closed due AC maintained Open Port soy to erosion, but some sections very busy (e.g. Findlater Castle to Sunnyside Beach), narrow paths

Sandend Banff & Buchan Substantially increased Various land- Open need for parking Spring – Owners Autumn contacted in Demand causes unsafe efforts to parking elsewhere (A resolve. Miller & J Emery looking Current piece of for other potential sites work /Wrack Banff & Buchan Very popular, narrow HS - Duff Local Community PC in grounds Woods paths, pinch points House and Council (currently 10.03.21 JEE working with grounds, AC closed). Also St owners since 2018 to maintained on Mary’s car secure capital FC funds part of the park.

(under WIAT scheme) to privately carry out numerous owned improvements – remove woodland dead trees, improve paths etc. JEE will get update from owners Country Park V. high no. of visitors Council The Sand Open - Toilet Bothy/Better offering Balmedie reduced due to changing places toilet upgrade. Works underway Forvie N.N.R. Formartine Access paths from NatureScot Newburgh: Collieston end. follow Beach Overflowing car parks, Road at verge parking. Newburgh Inn, AB41 6BY. This is Birds - During the bird the closest car breeding season (April to park to the August) the southern area beach and the of the reserve is closed to best place to protect breeding birds. Do view seals. not enter this area - it is marked by a fence and Waterside car includes the dunes and park: 1.5 intertidal areas. It is an kilometres north offence to disturb of Newburgh. breeding birds.

In the breeding season take extra care in the

eider zone (marked by AB41 6AB is the signs on the paths) and nearest keep dogs under close postcode. control or on a short lead. In the winter please Visitor centre car prevent your dog from park: 5 approaching birds kilometres north roosting on the shoreline. of Newburgh. Turn right at the Seals - Forvie is a Collieston designated seal haul-out crossroads, and site; it is an offence to follow the signs intentionally or recklessly to the centre. harass a seal at these sites. AB41 8RU is the nearest If you are visiting Forvie postcode. please give the seals sufficient space - if you see their heads coming up, the seals starting to shift around or become agitated - you are too close and need to move back. Please keep dogs under control or on a short lead and away from seals.

Bennachie FLS, Pittodrie The Bailies of Estate are looking at Rowan Tree Limited parking FLS Integrated

council/private Visitor Rowan Tree access to Management on Car Park, residents Bennachie and a AB51 5HZ meeting was (Community held on 23.3.21 Run) (disabled land managers. access) - closed for James Davidson winter represented

Aberdeenshire Council. The project is supported by NatureScot's Better Places Fund

Bennachie Visitor Centre Pay & display, busy car FLS Public toilets park at peak times Bennachie open in Visitor Centre winter, Fri - Trust Sun 10am- 3pm. Plan is that the BVC Pay & display opens on Saturday 1 May 2021 (subject to Covid-19 restrictions) until the end of October on a daily basis

from 10am – 4:30pm. The toilets should then be open on a daily basis from approximatel y 8am – 9pm during this time.

Back o’Bennachie Pay & display, busy car FLS toilets here park at peak times are open from Pay & display 1st April to 31st October Donview Pay & display, busy car FLS park at peak times

Easter Aquorthies Car Garioch Car parking raised as an AC, HES Park & Woodland issue during lockdown

Fetternear Estate, Garioch Popular

Keithhall Estate Garioch Popular. High usage issues private raised by residents and Covid signage in place

River Don Garioch popular busy council

Shakkin, Briggie, Garioch Low level but regular use. Burnhervie Being used as a swim training site while pools shut. Cairn o' Mount Cairn & limited to close to car park private 15 free viewpoint but very accessible to cars (unmarked) drivers

Coastal path KINCARDINE & popular mainly local use Council? path Toilets in both to & MEARNS dog walking created by env towns - team Closed

Dunnottar woods KINCARDINE & popular busy FCS FCS friends grp MEARNS

Gannochy, nr Edzel KINCARDINE & popular narrow paths gate private MEARNS entrance

Newmanhill plantation KINCARDINE & very busy close to FCS/private FCS & tower nr Culter MEARNS dog walking

Portlethen community KINCARDINE & ditto above narrow path council PMCG wood MEARNS entrance & other entrances gates

Rickarton Wood KINCARDINE & popular sometimes full car private Stonehaven MEARNS park

St Cyrus NNR KINCARDINE & v. busy limited parking NatureScot NatureScot Toilet at MEARNS pinch points long wooden nature bridge narrow paths reserve (run limited access in summer by Rangers) i.e. keep to paths Refurbished Dogs should be under toilet block control at all times on a will open in lead or close to heel until spring 2021. visitors reach the beach In the during the bird breeding meantime, a season – 1 April to 31 portacabin August. toilet block is Visitor facility improvements open until works are Work to upgrade the completed. toilets at has started, be aware that part of the parking next to the office and visitor centre has been fenced off to keep visitors and workers safe. There is reduced capacity for oversized vehicles until the works are completed in March.

NatureScot will be doing further works in the autumn months to improve the parking and the areas outside the visitor centre and office. Stonehaven beach & KINCARDINE & V. high no. of visitors Council Car parking Only Toilets in harbour area MEARNS reduced due to town centre spaces for open. people and leisure centre being used as Vaccination Centre.

Stonehaven cliff path to KINCARDINE & V. high no. of visitors Council – STP Parking at Nearest toilet Dunnottar MEARNS narrow clifftop path looking to harbour Stonehaven tourists to Dunnottar upgrade town centre castle Tollohill, , KINCARDINE & very busy close to private Devenick MEARNS Aberdeen dog walking council car park

Aboyne e.g. riverside, Marr popular, mainly with private Paths, Bellwood locals, pinch points on Mid Deeside Ltd. some paths

Alford, e.g. Haughton Marr popular with locals & AC FoHP, Murray Open Country & Murray Parks visitors, limited parking, Park trust pinch points on some trails

Ballater e.g. Marr popular with locals & private Royal Open Craigendarroch, visitors, pinch points on Deeside Ltd. riverside some trails

Banchory e.g. Scolty, Marr popular, mainly with FLS, AC & Banchory Paths Open Corsee Wood locals, pinch points on private some paths

Braemar e.g. Morrone Marr popular with locals & private Tourism Open Birkwood, Craig visitors, pinch points on Group? Choinnich some trails

Cambus o'May forest Marr popular with locals & Forestry Land Open: 30 car No toilets visitors, limited parking, Scotland capacity. pinch points on some trails Cambus o'May riverbank Marr popular with locals & Estate 8 parking spaces No visitors, limited parking, pinch points & access from car park currently limited to north bank as footbridge closed

Clachnaben Marr Often full carpark, gates, private narrow hill path. Car park shut by landowners on Police request.

Corgarff Watchers Marr popular with visitors, limited private viewpoint - Lecht ski centre parking in some places

Crathes Castle policies Marr Popular with locals & visitors. NTS Effectively closed off by NTS during Covid

Glen Tanar Marr popular with locals & visitors, Glen Tanar Estate Open: 35 Top car park - limited parking, pinch points cars 5 on some trails. Visitor Centre - 35 GCT Ranger Service (1.4) Overflow - 26

Huntly e.g. Battlehill, Marr popular mainly with locals, AC, private Meadows limited parking, pinch points on some trails

Keiloch & Craig Leek Marr popular with locals & visitors, Invercauld Estate Staff but no Open: 40 Keiloch limited parking. ranger cars

Linn of Dee, Linn of Quoich Marr popular with locals & visitors, NTS Linn of Open limited parking, pinch points Dee (portaloo) on some trails. 150 cars.

NTS Ranger Service (2) Quoich 40 cars.

Loch Muick Marr popular with locals & visitors, Balmoral Estate Closed for the limited parking, pinch points Glen winter on some trails. Muick 60

spaces Balmoral Ranger Service (2) plus coach park,

Muir of Dinnet NNR Marr popular with locals & visitors, NatureScot 37 parking Open limited parking, pinch points spaces on some trails

NatureScot Site Manager and Aberdeenshire Ranger

Pitfichie forest Marr High level of bike use, some FLS walking

Potarch green & riverside Marr popular with locals & visitors AC, private Portaloo on site (Landscapes operate)

Tarland e.g. Drummy Marr Popular, mainly with locals, private Paths Wood/Tomnaverie, pinch points on some paths. Muirton Wood High use by bikers on Tarland Trails - travel from across shire

Buchanhaven/Ugie Buchan Popular town location, AC Walkway narrow paths.

Coastal Path to Buchan Some sections popular, narrow paths

Loch of Strathbeg Buchan RSPB hides, paths and visitor RSPB RSPB We do have a centre car park (so not sure PC in if it should be on here but it Strathbeg, not is popular) sure if it’s near the loch.

New Slains Castle Buchan

Pitfour Estate Buchan Limited Parking Private

Strichen Community Park Buchan Popular park for local Community Strichen community Park Community Park White Cow Woods Buchan Dog walking site, small car AC maintain car park park, Scottish Woodlands own forestry

New Aberdour Beach BANFF AND No real issues but be aware AC & private Community BUCHAN as can get very busy run portaloo here, and PC in town.

Troup Head BANFF AND Popular, narrow field RSPB BUCHAN margins leading to cliffs

Waters of Philorth LNR BANFF AND Popular site with dog AC Invercairn BUCHAN walkers, some narrow paths Comm Cl have detailed plan & costs to re- store pathway under Coastal Paths Proj (sits with KL & JEE) F&B Way, Multiple sites Formartine, Narrow walk/cycle way, very AC and pinch points Buchan, BANFF limited parking. AND BUCHAN

Aboot Ellon Walk Formartine Narrow paths Open

Collieston Beach Formartine Small enclosed beach can get Collieston and Open very busy in good weather Slains Community Council

Gight Woods Formartine Two kissing gates S.W.T. , F.C.S. Toilets in Methlick Village currently closed as clean by community - But community ready to open when permitted Arnhall Moss Westhill Garioch Popular town location, narrow paths.

Dunecht estate Garioch paths generally wide but car est. parking pressures

Dunnideer Hillfort, Garioch Popular. Issues raised by locals and Covid signage potentially in place

Gauchhill Woods Kintore Garioch popular council

Any other FCS forests KINCARDINE & sometimes busy limited FCS FCS some Durris/Drumtochty/Mount MEARNS parking friends groups h routes cycling/walking/horses

Auchenblae The Den & park KINCARDINE & busy local use good parking community owned MEARNS parks

Catterline beach KINCARDINE & Saw a big increase in visitors Council Limited – No public MEARNS in 2020 causing parking school car toilets issues for residents and park out of human waste left on beach hours

Chapelton trail incl. part KINCARDINE & local use private Mounth route MEARNS

Crawton & KINCARDINE & Limited parking, busy during RSPB RSPB 12 parking None reserve MEARNS breeding season in Spring spaces and Summer.

Denlethen woods KINCARDINE & popular local use FCS FCS friends grp MEARNS

Drum Castle, Old Wood of KINCARDINE & busy narrow paths gates NTS/? NTS Drum and path from MEARNS garden centre

Fetteresso forest KINCARDINE & can be busy at certain points FCS FCS MEARNS reasonable parking

Maryculter woods KINCARDINE & local use limited car parking community owned friends of MEARNS usually enough -horse riding/walking/cycling/outdo woods or learning

Mineralwell park & R. KINCARDINE & busy council Cowie MEARNS

Newtonhill community KINCARDINE & busy mainly local use narrow Council/private? NEAT paths MEARNS points steps gates

Portlethen Moss KINCARDINE & small but heavily used at council/private PMCG MEARNS moment some damage already v. narrow paths narrow entrances footbridges

R.Dee, incl. KINCARDINE & popular poor parking Council? Deeside way MEARNS provision

Callater Marr Staff but no ranger Invercauld Estate Open: 20 No cars

Crathie riverside Marr quite popular with locals & Balmoral Ranger Open: 150 Loos/VIC - visitors Service cars Closed

Dinnet Marr Popular routes: Loch Kinord, COAT Open: 20 Open Deeside Way cars

Kincardine o'Neil riverside Marr mainly locals, but quite private North popular Deeside Road, AB34 5AA (Community Run) - closed for winter core paths Marr mainly locals but quite private popular

Tarland Way (Aboyne - Marr mainly local walkers & private Tarland/Aboyn Aboyne – Tarland) cyclists, but quite popular e Paths Open Tarland - Closed

Deeside Way Marr/KINCARDI Mostly walkers & cyclists, AC, FLS, private Sustrans NE & MEARNS wide but well-used, gates

Aikey Brae Buchan Limited parking AC

Coastal Path Banff - BANFF AND Popular walk/cycle route AC? Open BUCHAN

Fraserburgh Beach BANFF AND No real issues but be aware Open BUCHAN as can get very busy

James Ramsay Park, BANFF AND Popular with locals AC BUCHAN

Dalmadilly ponds, Kemnay Garioch Limited parking, regular use Private Greener but not high numbers Kemnay

Gordon Way Garioch/Marr no real issues but be aware FLS, private FLS, Bailies

Coastal path Portlethen to KINCARDINE & narrow paths pinch points Private? MEARNS footbridges narrow paths busy in places close to settlement e.g. Crann Hill & Fasque KINCARDINE & local & occasional tourist use private Estates MEARNS

Inverbervie to old KINCARDINE & local use occasional walking council/private coast road & Benholm Mill MEARNS group

Inverbervie community KINCARDINE & local use Council mostly? Brighter Bervie paths MEARNS Group

Marykirk river path KINCARDINE & short community path private MEARNS potential fishing conflict

Rickarton windfarm & ROW KINCARDINE & occasional use dog walkers private/FCS Mounth route MEARNS and walking parties

Bin forest Marr mainly locals FLS

Clashindarroch forest Marr mainly locals FLS, AC & private

Corsedardar viewpoint - Marr not heavily used private Tom's Cairn

Craigievar Castle policies Marr locals & visitors but not NTS usually busy

Gartly core paths Marr mainly locals private, FLS

Kennethmont core paths & Marr locals & visitors but not private, NTS Leith Hall policies usually busy

Lumphanan core paths Marr mainly locals private Paths

Rhynie core paths inc. Tap Marr mainly locals private Community O'Noth run here

Sean Spittal Marr Invercauld Estate Open: 8 cars

Strathdon e.g. Doune, Ben Marr mainly locals, Ben Newe gets private, FLS Newe bike use from across region Paths

Torphins core paths Marr mainly locals private Paths The Square, AB31 4JT - closed for winter

2.1 Town and Village Hot Spots

Town & Village Area Risk Car Park Capacities & other relevant info Toilets.

All Aberdeenshire Council Car Parks will be open to the public.

Ballater Marr Popular routes: Deeside Way, Craigandarroch, The Square, AB35 5NE with disabled and baby Riverside path change - Open

Church Square 45 free spaces, 6 free lorry/bus spaces, 2 disabled spaces.

Station Square (Front) 19 free spaces & 4 disabled spaces.

Station Square (Rear) 26 free spaces

Braemar Marr Popular routes: Creag Choinnich, Lions Face Balnellan Road, AB35 5YP with disabled and and Morrone baby change - Open

Balnellan Road 28 free spaces, 3 disabled spaces, 1 electric vehicle charge point (50kw).

The Mews 18 free spaces (unmarked), 3 disabled spaces, 14 non-covered cycle spaces Banff & Limited parking in small sea front parking area Public Hall, AB43 6JB – closed for the winter Buchan

Sandend Banff & Substantially increased need for parking Spring – Seaview Road, AB45 2UB – Open Buchan Autumn Demand causes unsafe parking elsewhere (A Miller & J Emery looking for other potential sites

Stonehaven KINCARDINE Number of car parking spaces reduced due to Harbour, AB39 2AY with disabled access and & MEARNS ‘Spaces for people’ and leisure centre car park baby change – closed for the winter closed Mon – Fri as Leisure Centre is a covid vaccination centre. Margaret Street, AB39 2AY with disabled access and baby change - not opening at this The boardwalk has just been replaced and new time seating areas created which is likely to see an increase in visitors coming to use the new facility.

Beach Promenade 70 free spaces

4 disabled spaces

Market Square 72 pay and display spaces

4 disabled spaces 1 electric vehicle charge point (7kw)

Railway Station 75 free spaces 2 disabled spaces 2 electric vehicle charge points (50kw)

The Backies 42 free spaces 2 disabled spaces

Banchory Marr Part of ‘Spaces for People’ project application to Bellfield Car Park, AB31 5HT with disabled ensure people are able to safely access services in access & baby change - Open town centres while maintaining physical distancing. Bridge of Feugh, AB31 6HX with disabled Bellfield 1 access and baby change Open 94 pay and display spaces 9 free spaces 4 free lorry/bus spaces 6 disabled spaces 10 covered cycle spaces

Bellfield 2

53 free spaces

Bridge Street 24 free spaces

Scott Skinner Square 16 pay and display spaces 2 disabled spaces

The Square 15 free spaces 2 disabled spaces

Town Hall 15 free spaces 2 disabled spaces

Bridge of Feugh 35 free spaces

Crovie Banff & Buchan

Cornhill Mid Street, AB45 2EH (disabled access) - closed for winter

Cruden Bay Buchan Main Street, AB42 0HE – Open

Dinnet Marr 20 cars

Ellon Formartine Part of ‘Spaces for People’ project application to Market Street, AB41 9JD with disabled access ensure people are able to safely access services in and baby change Open town centres while maintaining physical distancing.

Golf Road (East) 40 free spaces (un marked)

Market Street 40 pay and display spaces 2 disabled spaces

10 covered cycle spaces

Schoolhill 24 pay and display spaces 2 disabled spaces

Station Road (East) - 29 pay and

Ellon Library display spaces 2 disabled spaces 2 electric vehicle charge points (22kw)

Station Road (West) 48 free spaces 3 disabled spaces

The Square (West) 14 pay and display spaces 2 disabled spaces

The Square (East) 9 pay and display spaces

1 disabled space

Fraserburgh Banff & Part of ‘Spaces for People’ project application to Castle Street, AB43 9DR with disabled access Buchan ensure people are able to safely access services in and baby change. closed for winter town centres while maintaining physical distancing. Beach, AB43 9TB with disabled access – Open

Castle Street 23 free spaces Castle Street - not opening at this time

Hanover Street (North) 26 free spaces

2 disabled spaces Hanover Street (South 50 pay

1) and display spaces 2 disabled spaces Hanover Street (South 19 free

2) spaces

Mid Street 13 pay and display spaces 2 disabled spaces

Saltoun Square 38 pay and display spaces

3 disabled spaces

Dalrymple, Seaforth 29 free

Street (North) spaces

2 disabled spaces 2 electric vehicle charge points (50kw) Seaforth Street 144 free

(South) spaces

5 disabled spaces

Huntly Marr Castle Street, AB54 8BP with

East Park Street 81 free spaces disabled access and baby change 3 free lorry/bus spaces – closed for the winter 5 disabled spaces Market Muir, AB54 4PS with

Linden Centre 34 free spaces disabled access and baby change 5 disabled spaces

Market Muir 22 free spaces – Open 10 free lorry/bus spaces 2 disabled spaces 2 electric vehicle charge points (22kw)

Nelson Street 24 free spaces 2 disabled spaces 2 electric vehicle charge points (50kw)

The Square 31 pay and display spaces 3 loading bays (not for parking) 2 disabled spaces 10 covered cycle spaces

Inverurie Garioch Part of ‘Spaces for People’ project application to ensure people Station Road, AB51 3PY with are able to safely access services in town centres while disabled access and baby change maintaining physical distancing. –Open

Burn Lane 114 pay and display spaces

160 free spaces 12 disabled spaces 4 electric vehicle charge points (50kw)

2 electric vehicle charge points (22kw)

4 electric vehicle charge points (7kw)

High Street 28 pay and display spaces

1 disabled space

Inverurie Day Care Centre 15 free spaces

(weekends only) 1 free lorry/bus space

5 disabled spaces

Market Place 22 pay and display spaces

2 disabled spaces

Station Road 18 pay and display spaces

2 disabled spaces 10 covered cycle spaces

The Square 12 pay and display spaces

2 disabled spaces

Victoria Street 61 free spaces 3 disabled spaces

Turriff Formartine 18 free The Haughs, AB53 4BL with

Bowling Green Car Park spaces disabled access - not opening at 7 free this time spaces

Castle Street 1 disabled space

32 free

Crown Street spaces 40 free

High Street (North) spaces

1 free motorcycl e bay 4 disabled spaces 20 free spaces 1 electric

High Street (South) vehicle charge point (7kw) 28 free spaces

The Square 2 disabled spaces 45 free spaces

Wynd 2 disabled spaces

Aberchirder Banff & The Square Market Street, AB54 7TN with Buchan 45 free spaces disabled access – closed for the 3 disabled spaces winter Aboyne Marr Station Square (Front) Ballater Road, AB34 5HY with 41 free spaces and 2x EV charge points (50kw). disabled & baby change - Open

Station Square (Rear) 20 free spaces (unmarked).

Shopping Square 56 free spaces

4 disabled spaces 10 non-covered cycle spaces Alford Marr Mongarrie Road Car Park, AB33 8AE with disabled 113 free spaces access - Open 6 free lorry/bus spaces 5 disabled spaces Southfield Toilet Block, Haughton 10 covered cycle spaces Country Park - Open 2 electric vehicle charge points (50kw)

Visitor Centre Toilet Block, Haughton Country Park: Open

Banff Banff & Banff Harbour 33 free St Mary's Car Park, AB45 1AU Buchan spaces with disabled access and baby

Bridge Street 14 free change – closed for the winter spaces Duff House with disabled access – Carmelite Street 13 pay and display closed for the winter spaces Banff Marina with disabled access 2 disabled - Open spaces

Deveronside (East) 25 free spaces 4 non- covered cycle spaces

Deveronside (West) 15 free spaces

Greenbanks 49 free spaces

Market Close 7 pay and display spaces 2 disabled spaces

St Mary's (West) 78 pay and display spaces 3 disabled spaces

St Mary's (East) 45 free spaces

Trinity 19 pay and display spaces 2 disabled spaces

Crathie Marr Popular route: Riverside path Car Park, AB35 5UL (seasonal) 136 cars, 5 camper vans plus 8 coaches so pretty much space for with disabled access - Closed 150 cars + overflow capacity. Crimmond Buchan Ferguson Street, AB42 4HD (Community Run) - closed for winter Fettercairn KINCARDIN The Cross E & 16 free spaces (unmarked) MEARNS Fordyce East Church Street, AB45 2SL (disabled access) - closed for winter

Fyvie Formartine Banff & The Harbour, AB45 3YR with Buchan disabled access – Open Glenshee Marr Car Park, AB35 5UL (seasonal) - not opening at this time Insch Garioch

Golf Terrace 34 free spaces

Martin Road 15 free spaces

1 disabled space

Railway Station 42 free spaces

2 disabled spaces

Inverbervie KINCARDIN The Square 28 free spaces Church Street, DD10 0RU - closed E & for winter MEARNS Johnshaven KINCARDIN The Square 5 free spaces (unmarked) Fore Street, DD10 0EU with E & disabled access – closed for the MEARNS winter Kemnay Garioch Aquithie Road 30 free spaces & 2 disabled spaces Kintore Garioch The Square 15 free spaces, 1 disabled space Laurencekirk KINCARDIN Charter Avenue (High Street) 12 free High Street, AB30 1BJ with E & Car Park, Laurencekirk spaces disabled access and baby change MEARNS (unmark – Open ed)

Masonic Hall (High Street) 8 free spaces

2 disabled spaces

High Street (North) 14 free spaces 1 disabled space

Railway Station 70 free spaces 4 disabled spaces

Robson Car Park 20 free

spaces 2 disabled

spaces 1 electric vehicle charge point

(50kw)

Ruddiman Drive 34 free spaces 2 disabled spaces

Longside Buchan Main Street 20 spaces Macduff Banff & Fish Market (Harbour) –Open Buchan Church 10 free

Street spaces

1 disabled space Watts 20 free

Lane spaces

1 disabled space

Maud Buchan Buchan toilets: Open Ellphin Street (disabled access) - closed for winter

The Beach (Community Run) (Seasonal: April to October) Playing Fields (disabled access) - closed for winter Newburgh Formartine Ythan 25 free Bridge spaces

(South)

Newmachar Garioch Newtonhill KINCARDIN E & MEARNS Formartine Urquhart Road, AB51 0EX with

Baker Street 42 free disabled access and baby change spaces – Open

2 disabled spaces Commercial 15 free

Road spaces

Cowgate 4 free spaces 1 disabled space

The Square 12 free spaces 2 disabled spaces

Peterhead Buchan Part of ‘Spaces for People’ project application to ensure people Drummers Corner, AB42 1EE with are able to safely access services in town centres while disabled access and baby change maintaining physical distancing. – Open

Broad Street 67 pay and display spaces 5 disabled spaces

Maiden Street 52 pay and display spaces 5 disabled spaces

Prince Street 50 pay and display spaces 5 disabled spaces

South Road 65 free spaces 1 free double size solo motorcycle space 7 free lorry/bus spaces 4 disabled spaces 2 electric vehicle charge points

(50kw)

Interchange 5 disabled spaces

Threadneedle Street 50 pay and display spaces 5 disabled spaces

York Street 59 free spaces 3 disabled spaces

Port Garioch Port Road, AB51 3UR (disabled Elphinstone access, baby changing) - closed for winter

Portlethen KINCARDIN Railway Station 28 free E & spaces MEARNS 2 disabled spaces

Portsoy Banff & Shore Street, AB45 2RX with

Buchan Loch Soy 20 free disabled access – Open spaces 2 disabled Seafield Street, AB45 2QL spaces (Community Run) with disabled The 22 free access and baby change.

Square spaces 2 disabled spaces

Rhynie Marr The Square, AB54 Rhynie Car 12 free 4GG (Community Run)

Park spaces

Rosehearty Banff & Union Street, AB43 7JQ with Buchan disabled access – closed for the winter Road, AB51 8YH - closed for winter & Banff & Pitullie Buchan St Cyrus KINCARDIN E & MEARNS Buchan

Strathdon Marr Popular routes: Ben Newe and the Doune , Strathdon, AB36 8UH with disabled access - Open Strichen Buchan Formartine Tolquhon Avenue, AB41 7LW (disabled access) - closed for winter Torphins Marr The Square, AB31 4JT - not opening at this time Westhill Garioch Shopping Centre, AB32 6RL (disabled facility only) Whitehills Banff & Loch Street, AB45 2LT Buchan (Community Run) with baby change.

Paths Closure List Cambus O'May Bridge

Cambus O'May Bridge is closed following severe damage caused by Storm Frank making it unsafe. Barriers have been erected to prevent access to the bridge. Please heed all warning notices and keep off the potentially dangerous structure. The council is currently considering options for repairing the bridge and potential sources of funding. No date has been established for the repairs and the bridge is likely to remain closed for the foreseeable future. For further information please contact the Environment Team (South) at 01467 534333.

Aberdeenshire Coastal Path

Following damage caused by extreme weather, sections of coast path have become difficult, and in some cases dangerous, to use. The council is reviewing the condition of these paths and therefore not currently promoting the Aberdeenshire Coastal Path.

Sandend to Cullen

We have had to close a section of the coastal path between Sandend and Findlater Castle due to landslips. This section of path will remain closed until further notice. The path between Findlater Castle and Sunnyside beach is passable with care, dependent on seasonal conditions. Potential path users are

advised to assess conditions on a day to day basis. Findlater Castle is still accessible from Barnyards of Findlater car park. For further information please contact the Environment Team (North) at [email protected] or 01467 534333.

Ellon Viaduct

Please be aware that due to the risk of falling masonry the areas directly under the Ellon Viaduct arches have been closed to through access. The Formartine and Buchan Way and Core Paths around Ellon remain open, and we would encourage continued use of these routes. Please observe all warning signs and barriers.

3. Visitor Management 2.1 Key Times for Visitor Management

• Friday – Sun are key visitor times • Public Holidays: 2 April - Good Friday 3 May - Early May bank holiday 31 May - Spring bank holiday 2 August - Summer bank holiday

• School Easter Holidays: 27th March – 18th April (encompassing regional variations) • School summer holidays from 26th June – August 30th (including England, Wales & Northern Ireland).

2.2 Resources and Staff Staff Resource

2.2.1 Ranger Section actions to be undertaken remotely and on site to help deal with issues likely to arise: The Rangers Service will continue to be responsive to any issues which arise though if required.

All Rangers have hand sanitizer, blue roll, disinfectant and gloves.

2.2.2 Outdoor Access Officers Aberdeenshire Council has two Outdoor Access Officers (1 FTE) that cover Aberdeenshire working under the Aberdeenshire Council Outdoor Access Strategy 2018 – 2021.

2.2.3 On the Ground Staff Resources for National Park area of Marr – full details to follow from partners organisations On the Ground Ranger Resources Organisation Numbers CNPA 3 Rangers Balmoral 2 + 2 seasonal Rangers Glen Tanar 1.4 Rangers NTS 3 Rangers + 2 Visitor Services Assistants NatureScot FLS One Ranger covering the Aberdeenshire area Aberdeenshire Council 1 full-time Ranger for Marr area. 1 FTE Outdoor Access Officer covering all of Aberdeenshire. Invercauld Estate 1.9 FTE- mix of part-time ranger and estate staff

4. Aberdeenshire Council Car Parks and Toilets

3.1 Car Parks All Aberdeenshire Council car parks are open to the public. Click here for car park location maps.

3.2 Public Toilets

Open public toilets in Aberdeenshire - Links to main council Public Toilets webpage and information added to hotspots list for towns, villages and countryside.

Cairngorms National Park open toilets

5. Traffic Management, Roads, Landscape & Waste and Signage

Glen Muick and Linn of Dee A No entry Order has been raised for C8M at Glen Muick and C1M at Linn of Dee and was published on 23.3.21. Signs and barriers will be laid out at each location on or before 1 April for the Easter weekend. Rangers will be free to erect as and when necessary.

A procedure has been agreed between CPNA, Aberdeenshire Council, National Trust for Scotland and Balmoral Estate for operating the Traffic Orders at Linn of Dee and Glen Muick this season and will be shared with . Police Scotland will be made aware in advance each time of any anticipated implementation of the No Entries.

1. Thursday each week a. Check forecast and events calendar. Mar Lodge & Balmoral let AC & CNPA know whether they intend to implement the traffic order for the coming weekend on their patch. If they are then CNPA, AC, Balmoral and Mar Lodge (NTS) publicise this through social media and CNPA will let Community Councils know. b. If it gets really busy at a weekend (or during the week in summer holidays) and it is decided last minute to implement the traffic order Mar Lodge & Balmoral let AC & CNPA (SRO & Ranger What’s App Group) know that they intend to implement the traffic order on their patch. CNPA, AC, Balmoral and Mar Lodge publicise this through social media.

Muir of Dinnet Conversations ongoing between Police Scotland, NatureScot, land owners and Wendy McLaren from the council about traffic management problems by Dinnet. An intervention of the installation of bollards on the verge to prevent verge parking is being considered.

6. Community Engagement, Consultation, Communications and Messaging Through all our efforts, open dialogue with host communities is an integral part of balancing the needs and demands of those wishing to visit the countryside and coast and the host communities. This is of importance in Phase 1 where for the first time since January 5th 2021, the public will be permitted to travel short distances for outdoor leisure and exercise and it is likely that key sites as highlighted in this document will see a noticeable increase in visitor numbers and potential issues as listed. Open dialogue is taking place with landowners, businesses and any future statements, information and guidance and will be shared. Aberdeenshire Council will consult with and share key communications via news releases, Aberdeenshire Council website, Aberdeenshire Council social media accounts and through working with Community Councils, Third Sector and Voluntary Groups and any other relevant organisation to share key messages and guidance. This plan has been shared with Aberdeenshire Local Outdoor Access Forum, VisitAberdeenshire, VisitScotland, North East 250, Authority, Scottish Land & Estates, NFUS, Community Councils and Police Scotland. 5.2 List of ‘no-promotion’ sites Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service in conjunction with land and estates requests that no tourism promotion takes place on the following sites/locations to help with visitor management this coming summer. There will no doubt be other sites, but caution has been exercised to only include sites where there are ongoing serious access cases or where there has been confirmation from the estate factor/site owner that they wish a site not to be promoted:

• Slains Castle – H&S issue with the cliffs • Strichen Stone Circle – unkept access track, livestock issue, non-cooperative landowner • Findlater castle – H&S • Louden Stone Circle • Tillyfourie Quarry • At the request of Dunecht Estates: Loch of Skene, Policies, Barmekin Hill, Hill of Fare and the Forest of .

• Forglen estate, (private estate) • Hill of Barra (Oldmeldrum) from 1st week of April to end of May due to lambing

5.4 National messaging & comms and launch of Scotland’s Responsible Tourism Promise

Launched at the Tourism Summit on 19th March, new nationally agreed messaging and communications have been launched including a new ‘Scotland’s Responsible Tourism Promise’.

Visit >> Sustainable & Responsible Tourism in Scotland | VisitScotland

5.4.1 Scotland’s Responsible Tourism Promise When I explore Scotland, I promise to care for Scotland's nature. I will… • Not disturb the incredible wildlife that has roamed this epic land for centuries. • Tread lightly to protect their habitats. • Be considerate to farmland and livestock. • Keep my dog on a lead when needed. • Stick to the marked roads, tracks and paths. • Take my litter home with me. • Take only photos and leave only footprints. • Observe the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

I promise to care for Scotland's communities. I will… • Slow down, and savour every moment of what there is to see, do and learn. • Shop local to enjoy the best products and support Scottish makers and businesses. • Respect the locals and their resources. • "Fàilte" (embrace) and respect the Gaelic language. • Sample the delicious, seasonal foods available all across Scotland. • Seek out and respect the rich and diverse cultures that are found throughout Scotland. • Avoid crowded places and come back when it's less busy.

• Take care when exploring the great outdoors, and bring and wear the right equipment. • Check ahead to see if there is access or parking. • Park my vehicle safely and responsibly. • Follow physical distancing guidance and wear my mask as required.

I promise to care for Scotland and the world's tomorrow. I will…

• Leave the car when I can and walk, cycle, paddle or use public transport instead. • Hire an electric vehicle where possible and take advantage of the many charge points that are now available across Scotland. • Check the green credentials of all of the businesses I use to travel, stay and explore. • Enjoy the pure waters that run from the tap, not single-use bottles. • Switch off the lights and look up at the stars.

6 Key Contacts

• Aberdeenshire Council Covid-19 Information - https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/covid-19/ Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service/Outdoor Access - Are available to offer advice and guidance on responsible access to communities, individuals and land managers – [email protected] and the council’s Outdoor Access Officers can offer advice on upholding access rights [email protected]

• Aberdeenshire Local Outdoor Access Forum - https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/paths-and-outdoor-access/local-outdoor-access-forum/ • Cairngorms National Park Authority - https://cairngorms.co.uk/working-together/covid-19-coronavirus-update/ • Coastguard - https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/maritime-and-coastguard-agency In an Emergency Dial 999 ask for the Coastguard • NFU Scotland - NFU Scotland | National Farmers Union, Scotland • Police Scotland - https://www.scotland.police.uk/ The public should continue to use 101 and 999 for matters requiring police attention. All calls received in relation to the Coronavirus regulations are triaged by a dedicated operational control centre that is based within their national control room so have to be routed through there. A copy of this plan has been shared with the Area Commander for Aberdeenshire.

• Scottish Fire & Rescue Service - https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/covid-19.aspx In an Emergency Dial 999 ask for Scottish Fire & Rescue Service • Scottish Land and Estates - https://www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/ • VisitAberdeenshire – Visitor: www.visitabdn.com Industry: https://industry.visitabdn.com/home/covid-19/ • VisitScotland – Visitor: https://www.visitscotland.com/ Industry: https://www.visitscotland.org/supporting-your-business/advice/coronavirus