Forestry and Land Scotland closes bike trails and car parks
Mountain bike trails operated by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) have been closed as the organisation reacts to the coronavirus outbreak.
People have been asked to stay at home and exercise locally and to avoid all unnecessary travel in a bid to curtail the pandemic.
FLS chief executive Simon Hodgson said it had closed down all non-essential operations to protect the wellbeing of visitors, staff and contractors.
Some harvesting is continuing to provide woodfuel and material for other essential products, he added.
"Our staff where possible are now working from home, which means regional offices are closed, as are all of our visitor facilities – including toilets, car parks and mountain biking trails," Mr Hodgson said.
"We know that government advice is for people to go outside to take physical exercise where it is safe to do so as this is not only good for physical health, but also can boost wellbeing and reduce anxiety too.
"However, we need to avoid unnecessary travel, so make your walk or cycle a local one; do not get into your car to travel to one of the woods we manage.
"The walking trails within these local forests will remain open but you must exercise alone or with your own household and, if encountering other people, maintain the social distancing rule.
"Remember our toilets, mountain biking trails and car parks are closed."
Visitor centres across Scotland were closed by FLS last week, including at Glenmore near Aviemore, as well as Nevis Range Mountain Experience.
Mr Hodgson said FLS would continue to follow government guidance and added: "I encourage you to get outdoors and enjoy the benefits of fresh air and exercise where safe to do so."
