Storm Arwen brought havoc to the timber-planted areas managed by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), but now visitor centres like the one at Queen’s View in Perthshire are suffering.
A FLS spokesperson said: “The teams at the centres and our tenant businesses have already managed to get through COVID-19 lockdowns and would welcome some support from members of the public as they try to weather the aftermath of Storm Arwen.”
FLS visitor centres in Perthshire and across the country are open for business as per their usual winter opening hours but cafe and retail outlets inside are experiencing low footfall in the key Christmas lead-up because forest trails are closed to walkers.
Due to the still present danger of storm-damaged trees, members of the public are being advised that the trails and forests around the centres in south Scotland are not accessible for public safety.
FLS tree work teams are prioritising clearing fallen trees at locations that provide an immediate risk to people or property, with the focus then shifting to providing essential access for communities, neighbours and forestry business.
Leona Wilkie, FLS head of visitor services and communities, said: “Our assessment and clear-up operations after Storm Arwen are ongoing so as yet we are not opening all of our forests and trails to visitors.
“We have no definitive dates for when all of our forests can re-open.
“In some instances and depending on the extent of the damage we might still be looking at months or even years before some forests can re-open but ensuring a safe environment for our visitors is essential.
“We understand that this is disappointing for many people but our cafes are still providing tasty treats.”
FLS advises checking its website for the latest information and opening hours before making a visit.
