Forest and Land Scotland (FLS) is reminding local people from Inverness to Aberdeen that several forests across the north east will be closed Between Thursday 18 and Saturday 20 April. 

The closure is in effect to facilitate the high speed, Speyside Stages Rally on Saturday. 

Whiteash forest will be closed on Thursday 18th for a VIP/Media Day but will be opened for public access again on Friday 19th

Event stage forests will be closed on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th April: these are Teindland, Ordiequish, Gartly, Whitehaugh, Balloch, Rosarie and Ben Aigan. They will re-open on Sunday 21 April.

FLS Regional Manager, John Thomson, said:

“The Rally is a magnificent event that draws hundreds of visitors to the area but safety is a top priority and it takes a lot of organising to make sure that any rally event is carried out as safely as possible. 
 

“We are closing off several forests to give the Rally’s event team time to check the course, ensure barriers and signage are all in place and that marshals, spectators and competitors can enjoy the event safely.

“However we do have other forests in the area where visitors looking to enjoy some quiet and solitude will be welcome. Why not try a new place for your walk this weekend – you might find a new favourite spot!”

Other sites nearby that are unaffected include Roseisle and Culbin, The Bin and Torrieston.

Anyone looking to come and spectate during the rally should observe the organiser’s strict requirements over the use of official viewing areas and the general safety guidance outlined in the Spectator Code of Conduct.

Notes to editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) was established as an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government on 1 April 2019, following completion of the devolution of forestry as a result of the Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Act 2018. It replaces Forest Enterprise Scotland.
2. The purpose of FLS is to manage forests and land owned by Scottish Minsters in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; and delivers benefits for people and nature. FLS may manage other forested and non-forested land by arrangement, as set out in the Act.
3. The primary focus of FLS, in delivering its purpose, is to support Scottish Ministers in their role as leaders of Sustainable Forest Management and Sustainable Development through their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
4. www.forestryandland.gov.scot | www.twitter.com/ForestryLS
5. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 0131 370 5059 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
6. Image: Maxime Agnelli / Unsplash.