Locals 'outraged' after 50 trees cut down in Dalmally without permission

Locals in an Argyll and Bute village have been left “outraged” after more than 50 trees were cut down without authorisation.

Police were called to the Old Military road, around two miles outside of Dalmally, last week after reports from residents of damage to property and trees.

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

It is alleged that a stretch of the track was 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.

One resident contacted STV News to say they are “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.”

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

The notice bans all forestry work with immediate effect while officers investigate fully.

A Scottish Forestry spokesperson said: “On Thursday, February 12, Scottish Forestry received a report of an alleged unauthorised felling in the Dalmally area.

“Woodland officers visited the area on Friday, February 13 and then returned on Monday, February 16, to issue a stop notice pending further investigation.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 2pm on Monday, February 16, 2026, police were informed of damage to property and trees at Old Military Road, Dalmally.

“Officers attended and enquiries are ongoing.”

An Argyll and Bute council spokesperson said: “Concerns were raised about work carried out at the military track, at Ardteatle.

“Whilst this is currently being investigated, there is no evidence at present to suggest that the work relates to any development that breaches planning regulations.”