Stay away to help keep our inhabitants safe, pleads private estate

One of the largest private estates in Aberdeenshire is urging people to stay away for the safety of its inhabitants.

Since the coronavirus lockdown, those on the Dunecht Estate have witnessed a large number of people driving to the land to exercise.

Those actions have been condemned in a statement on the estate’s social media pages, where there is also information about the efforts its workers have been making to help the wider community.

Dunecht is owned by the Hon Charles Anthony Pearson, the younger son of the 3rd Viscount Cowdray.

The main part of the estate lies between Banchory and Westhill, encompassing the village of Dunecht, the Loch of Skene and Dunecht House.

The estate statement reads: “We have been surprised by the number of people still driving to the estate, parking and going for a walk or run.

“Please do not forget that the estate is home to a number of people, including many who are vulnerable, and all of them will be very and rightly concerned about contracting the Covid-19 virus.

“We therefore ask you to stop and think about whether driving to the estate is genuinely necessary travel.”

The farm workers are key workers, the statement adds.

The estate has volunteered members of its team as Covid-19 helpers to aid those on their land, and within their local community, with collecting shopping, picking up prescriptions and helping with pets.

Anyone in need of such help can call 07749 433159.

The Dunecht Estate is one of the north-east’s largest