What damage occurred at the Contin forest car park?

Drivers caused deep ruts by spinning their vehicles in circles, significantly damaging the gravel car park surface.

How much did Forestry and Land Scotland spend on the car park improvements?

FLS recently spent £20,000 on improving the car park and the nearby Blackwater Trail.

What are the consequences of the vandalism at the Ross-shire forest site?

Limited resources must be diverted from essential activities like path repairs and tree planting to costly repairs and clean-up.

Home / Crime and Justice / Forest Car Park Ruined by Joyriders

Forest Car Park Ruined by Joyriders

4 Dec, 2025

•

Summary

Drivers caused significant damage by doing 'donuts' on gravel.
Recent £20,000 car park and trail improvements were marred.
Resources must now be diverted from tree planting and path repairs.

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is appealing for public assistance following extensive vandalism at a car park near Contin in Ross-shire. Drivers engaging in dangerous manoeuvres, described as 'donuts,' have caused deep ruts, significantly damaging the gravel surface. This incident follows a recent £20,000 investment by FLS to improve the car park and the nearby Blackwater Trail, enhancing accessibility for all visitors.

The damage has left FLS officials disappointed, as limited resources must now be redirected towards costly repairs and clean-up operations. Paul Hibberd, regional visitor services manager for FLS, highlighted that this diversion of funds could jeopardize crucial activities such as path maintenance and new tree planting initiatives. The site has also experienced issues with illegal quad bike access and a burnt-out car found in the woodlands.