Aberdeenshire Council is set to introduce a range of improvements to an existing path between Montgarrie and Alford, creating a dedicated active travel route.

Construction work will begin at the end of January, involving path widening, surface improvements, and the installation of a new footbridge.

The project, fully funded by Nestrans, aims to enhance the route's accessibility for walking, wheeling, cycling, running, and jogging.

"Around 64% of respondents expressed support for the suggested route with 74% stating that they would use it for leisure or travel," the council stated.

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The chosen route follows existing paths through Haughton Country Park, designed to minimise environmental impact while maximising the use of natural features.

The new route is expected to be open for use by March 31st, weather permitting.

Ewan Wallace, Head of Environment and Sustainability at Aberdeenshire Council, said: "I would like to thank all those who participated in our engagement work which has helped our team develop the improvement work. Following that process we have continued to work on our original proposal with the aim of designing a route which is accessible for all users but also in-keeping with the natural environment.

"We do appreciate that there will be some temporary disruption to park users as the improvement works are undertaken – in particular the replacement of the wooden bridge – however there will be a diversion in place for this. There will also be some temporary changes to the existing one-way system while works are undertaken on the entrance and exit roads, but these will be signed and controlled."