Drivers facing long way round with closure of Cairn o’ Mount

Drivers are facing a lengthy detour during a two-week closure of the popular Cairn o’ Mount tourist route north of Fettercairn.

During the project to carry out roadworks and bridge repairs, the hilltop stretch will be closed between the AA phone box north of Bridge of Dye and the Clatterin’ Brig snow gate from today until Friday July 6.

Traffic will be diverted via the A957 Slug Road while resurfacing and drainage works take place, while the repairs to the Spital Burn bridge will address damage to the parapets caused by recent collisions.

The works have been coordinated to halve what would have been a month-long closure had the works been conducted separately.

Aberdeenshire Council’s head of roads, landscape and waste services, Philip Mckay, said: “The rural nature of the Cairn o’ Mount road means that unfortunately there will be some unavoidable disruption for motorists while this work takes place.

“To minimise the impact we have co-ordinated the bridge repairs and road works.

“I would encourage motorists to plan ahead for the extra journey time they may need and thank them in advance for their patience.”

The road will be open this coming weekend and road users are advised to take heed of roadworks signs.

The Clatterin’ Brig restaurant will be open as usual, with access available from all routes on the south side of the Cairn o’ Mount. Emergency and pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the works, and vehicular access to affected properties maintained whenever possible.