Police and Scottish Government officials are investigating claims of damage to Ardteatle’s Old Military Road near Dalmally.
The road, which was the former main route to Inveraray, lies just metres from the Duncan Ban MacIntyre Monument, running through the historic Ardteatle Estate past Ardteatle Cottage.
As part of works to install deer fencing around an adjacent field, approximately half a mile of the track was upturned by a digger.
Over 50 ancient oak trees were damaged or uprooted, and an authentic stone dyke was also demolished in the process.
The track has also been widened with the once green verges flattened out.
Land registry records show that the road is not owned by those who carried out the works.
Images shared on social media of the muddy scene caused outrage amongst villagers, resulting in woodland officers and police being called out to visit the site.
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."
Woodland officers from Scottish Forestry, an agency of the Scottish Government, have now enforced a stop notice on any more work, and have also launched an investigation.
A spokesperson for Scottish Forestry 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 13 and then returned on Monday 16 to issue a stop notice pending further investigation."
The stop notice prohibits all unauthorised activity on the track for the time being, including further felling of trees or any more work on the road.
Argyll and Bute Council has also been informed of the damage, but said that no evidence is available at present to suggest it relates to a development that breaches planning regulations.
The council is also continuing to investigate.
Why not try these links to see what our West Coast AI can tell you.
(Please note this is an experimental service)
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.