Timeline of events

• September 2013 – More than 10 caravans along with construction equipment arrive at the site and work begins. An interim interdict against the works is granted but building continues. A retrospective planning application for the site is made but withdrawn.

• November 2013 – Aberdeenshire Council starts breach of interdict proceedings. Another retrospective planning application is made.

• March 2014 – A retrospective planning application for the site, due to be considered by Kincardine and Mearns area committee, is withdrawn after it emerged the plans had been recommended for refusal.

• August 2014 – Aberdeen Sheriff Court rules Aberdeenshire Council failed to prove beyond all reasonable doubt that Traveller James Mccallum had allowed the scheme to go ahead.

• September 2014 – Another two retrospectiveapplications are planningmade. permission

• April 2015 – Aberdeenshire Council refuse retrospective planning permission.

• November 2015 – Bid for retrospective planning permission made.

• April 2016 – Retrospective planning permission granted.

• August 2016 – Application called in by Scottish Ministers for their own determination.

• December 2016 – Reporter Rob Huntley visits the site.

• July 2017 - Mr Huntley’s report is submitted to Scottish ministers after “heavy workload” blamed for delay.

• September 2017 - Reporter’s recommendation that planning permission should be refused is accepted .