RESIDENTS in an Argyll and Bute village have been left “absolutely horrified” after more than 50 trees were cut down without authorisation along a much-loved walking path.
An investigation has been launched by police after officers were called to the Old Military road, around two miles outside of Dalmally, following reports from residents of damage to property and trees last week.
The stretch of road is a popular walking track, with no vehicular access, and was flanked by ancient trees.
However, it is alleged that a stretch of the track has been dug up by a digger as part of works to erect a fence. A stone dyke has also been allegedly destroyed in the process.
The road is reportedly not owned by those who carried out the works.
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Locals who use the walking route have since expressed their outrage, describing the work as “needless and unnecessary”.
Sonja De Rijk, whose home is on the Old Military Road, was away on holiday when the work was carried out, described her distress on coming home and finding the trees felled.
“We were absolutely horrified at the level of destruction,” she told The Herald.
“On a personal level, I have walked the track every single day for eight years and am so distressed by this needless, unnecessary destruction of such a complex ecosystem.
“I am not an activist, I am a middle-aged (60 next week) woman who just wants a quiet life, I am determined that these people are brought to justice.”
Another resident told STV News they were also “outraged” by the damage.
They said: “Many people in the community are heartbroken, angry and devastated by what has been destroyed.
“I cannot stress the levels of destruction here, and anyone who visited has been absolutely horrified.”
Woodland officers from Scottish Forestry, a Scottish Government agency, visited the area last week and issued a stop notice, which bans all forestry work with immediate effect while officers investigate fully.
A Scottish Forestry spokesperson said: “On Thursday, February 12, Scottish Forestry received a report of an alleged unauthorised felling in the Dalmally area.
“Woodland officers visited the area on Friday, February 13 and then returned on Monday, February 16, to issue a stop notice pending further investigation.”
However, for De Rijk the damage is already done.
“In 60 years on this planet,” she said, “I have never been so shocked by something”.
She added: “The trees were here hundreds of years ago, and would have been here hundreds of years more if it were not for the actions of one man.
“We and many people in the community are heartbroken, angry and devastated by what has been destroyed.
“I cannot stress the levels of destruction here and anyone who visited has been absolutely horrified.”
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A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 2pm on Monday, February 16, 2026, police were informed of damage to property and trees at Old Military Road, Dalmally.
“Officers attended and enquiries are ongoing.”
An Argyll and Bute council spokesperson said: “Concerns were raised about work carried out at the military track, at Ardteatle.
“Whilst this is currently being investigated, there is no evidence at present to suggest that the work relates to any development that breaches planning regulations.”
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