Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is advising people in areas badly affected by the weekend’s heavy rainfall to not risk using forest roads in an effort to bypass flooding.

FLS has warned that forest roads are also susceptible to damage from heavy rainfall, flooding and can be blocked by fallen trees where waterlogged soils has given way.

Carol McGinnes, FLS Central Region Manager, said;

“We’ve seen social media comments urging people to use the forest roads to find way  back on to the public road network and we would strongly advise people not to do this.

“Forest roads are not suitable for normal passenger vehicles and the risk of someone having an accident or getting into trouble – or lost – in the forest is high, especially after a spate of horrendous weather.

“Emergency service colleagues in the local resilience group have driven these roads and ruled them out as alternative routes in and out of local communities because they are unsafe.

“We appreciate that being trapped at home is not deal but it is far better than being stuck in a ditch in a forest where it might be difficult to call for help, or for help to reach you.”

Notes to editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.

2. forestryandland.gov.scot | twitter.com/ForestryLS

3. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07785 527590 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.