Landowner who cut down trees without permission ordered to replant 1,470

A landowner has been ordered to replant more than 1,400 trees after cutting down dozens in an Argyll and Bute village without permission.

Locals were left “outraged” after more than 50 trees were destroyed on the Old Military road, around two miles outside of Dalmally, in February.

The incident was reported to the police, who launched an investigation into the damage to property and trees.

The road, which runs past Ardteatle Cottage, is a walking track only with no vehicular access.

Glasgow & West

Locals ‘horrified’ after 50 trees cut down without permission

Police were called to the road last week after reports of damage to property and trees

A stretch of the track was allegedly upturned by a digger as part of works to build fencing, with an authentic stone dyke destroyed in the process.

It is understood that the road is not owned by those who carried out the works.

Woodland officers from Scottish Forestry, a Scottish Government agency, visited the area and issued a stop notice.

Now, officers have confirmed that a restocking direction was issued on April 23 to the landowner to ensure 1,472 new trees are replanted on the site affected.

The new trees will include birch, hazel, and oak, and will be located beside the road where the original trees were removed.

A spokesperson for Scottish Forestry said: “This restocking is on a much greater area than was initially damaged, and we have taken this action in light of the biodiversity that has been lost.

“This new woodland is required to be completed by the end of April 2027 and maintained and protected for a ten-year period. We understand that preparatory work is already under way by the landowner.

“We will continue to monitor the site to ensure the restocking is carried out properly.”

One resident told STV News they were “outraged” by the damage and described it as “needless and unnecessary.”

They said: “Many people in the community are heartbroken, angry and devastated by what has been destroyed.

“I cannot stress the levels of destruction here, and anyone who visited has been absolutely horrified.”

Police Scotland confirmed enquiries are ongoing.

Argyll and Bute Council has been contacted for comment.