Forestry and Land Scotland is asking the community for help after significant damage was caused at the Contin car park.
The incident happened at the well used site where vehicles were driven in circles across the surface, carving deep ruts through the gravel and undoing recent improvement work.
The damage was discovered at the popular car park beside the Blackwater Trail, a route that attracts families, older visitors and people with mobility needs throughout the year.
The work to upgrade the car park and restore the Blackwater Trail to an all ability grade cost £20,000 and was completed only recently.
The vandalism has caused frustration for the local team who take pride in maintaining a space that serves so many people.
Paul Hibberd, Regional Visitor Services Manager at Forestry and Land Scotland, said:
“Contin is a well loved local destination which provides a range of opportunities for recreation.
“This includes the Blackwater Trail which is popular with families, older and disabled visitors.”
“It’s very disappointing to see wilful damage after we have spent considerable amounts of money to improve access.
“If not repaired quickly, it will only get worse across the winter.
“We would urge anyone who sees this sort of activity to notify Police Scotland, providing as much information as possible.”
The wider site has faced a rise in problems over recent months with staff dealing with a burnt out car in the woodland and repeated illegal quad bike access.
The pattern of damage has placed further strain on a team already working hard to improve paths, maintain facilities and support events such as the annual Strathpeffer bike gathering.
Paul said:
“Unfortunately, the damage done from this senseless behaviour from a small number of people means that we must divert our limited resources into making repairs and cleaning up.
“This can be a costly exercise and puts at risk activities such as additional path repairs and maintenance, planting new trees and other activities.”
The team hopes that by asking local people to stay alert and report any suspicious behaviour, they can prevent further damage and protect a place valued across the Highlands.
