Forestry and Land Scotland’s (FLS) Tyrebagger Christmas Tree Sales Centre (near Aberdeen) will again make use of the booking system introduced last year.

Originally put in place at the height of COVID-19 restrictions, the system has helped ease congestion and improve safety for staff and visitors.

Fiona Robertson, FLS Area Visitor Services Manager, said;

“We are still very much aware that COVID-19 is still with us and although things will be a bit more relaxed this time, we’re still looking to keep everyone safe.

“Prior to COVID-19 our weekends could see thousands of people onsite with long dwell times queuing for payment, or to visit food and drink stalls or the toilets.

“We don’t want to return to that sort of situation so we’re continuing with the booking system, which worked really well for us last year. But there will be a few changes."

The centre will only be open Thursday – Monday and time on site will be limited to an hour. However, the team intends to let 60 cars per hour access the site, rather than the 30 per hour last year.

Hand sanitiser will be available onsite, social distancing and the use of masks when in close proximity to others will still be required and only card payments will be accepted.

Booking slots will be released on a weekly basis from 22^nd November although the site will only open from 2 December until 23 December – or for as long as supplies last.

Fiona added;

“We expect demand to be high and trees will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis.

“Last year all the available slots had been taken within a week of going online, so I’d encourage anyone who wants to come along this year to get online early!”

To book a slot you will need to provide the registration number of vehicle you’ll be collecting your tree. Vehicles arriving on site without a valid booking will not be granted access and late arrivals might not be allowed in to the site.

Customers who miss out on a slot should continue to check the site in case of cancellations, or the release of more dates and time slots.

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.