Travellers move on to Aberdeen beauty spot

RESIDENTS said they felt “intimidated” after rogue Travellers pitched up at an Aberdeen beauty spot.

The group set up camp – with three caravans, cars and tethered dogs – in the car park of Scotstown Moor, at Aberdeen’s Bridge of Don.

Area councillor Willie Young said: “Some of the people I spoke with said they felt intimidated.

“Some have experienced verbal abuse and said they were scared of the dogs.”

Part of the Aberdeen moor is a Site of Special Scientific Interest – a protected area of natural land – with 250 species of flowering plants recorded.

Cllr Young said the group had moved on to the site from Claymore Avenue, also in Aberdeen’s Bridge of Don, a spot they had been evicted from.

“The council needs to take stronger action against these people who are flouting the kindness and respect that people are showing them,” he said.

An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said a Traveller liaison officer was to visit the site.

He said the officer would urge the Travellers to quit the car park and, if they refused, Aberdeen council would launch court action.

Meanwhile, rogue Travellers camping at a Stonehaven park face being evicted.

At least 20 caravans are camped on a lorry park with several of them spilling on to a recreation area used for children’s football and school sports.

Stonehaven councillor Wendy Agnew said: “The Travellers have definitely overstayed their welcome.

“They have already damaged Baird Park. I walked past recently and there were wheel marks across the park.”

An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman added: “The hearing to remove the Travellers from Baird Park will take place on March 18, at 10am.”

rwarrander@ajl.co.uk