Aberdeenshire Council has approved plans for a controversial 30-acre quarry near Huntly, despite receiving 45 letters of objection from residents concerned about its environmental and social impact. The decision, made by the Marr area committee, has sparked widespread disappointment among local residents and heritage advocates.
Leiths (Scotland), a family-run construction materials company, plans to extract 650,000 tonnes of sand and gravel from Craig Farm over the next 22 years. The materials will be used for asphalt production and ready-mixed concrete. The site will operate between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays, with reduced hours on Saturdays, generating an average of 11 heavy goods vehicle (HGV) trips daily along the narrow B9002 road.
Council planning officials recommended approval, stating that the quarry was “appropriately located and designed” and would not harm air quality, generate excessive noise, or pose road safety risks. However, opponents argue that the development threatens the peace of the rural area and endangers nearby heritage sites such as Craig Castle.
Andrew Foreman, owner of the Grade A-listed Craig Castle located just 420 yards from the proposed site, expressed his “strongest possible objections.” Foreman warned that noise, dust pollution, and heavy traffic could worsen structural issues at the castle and nearby Auchindoir Kirk. He emphasised the importance of preserving these historic landmarks for future generations:
“Protecting Craig Castle… is not merely about safeguarding history. It is about ensuring a healthier future for communities and the environment.”
Foreman also highlighted plans to use Craig Castle as a retreat for veterans suffering from PTSD, stating that the quarry would ruin its tranquil setting. He vowed to take legal action if necessary, commenting: “I promise to act swiftly… to ensure that this unique heritage is safeguarded for generations to come.”
Other residents voiced concerns over traffic safety and environmental damage. Rhynie resident Virginia Irvine-Fortescue described the potential noise and pollution as “continuous industrial noise,” while wheelchair user Fiona Hudson called it “a very realistic picture of hell.” Victoria Nunn, another local resident, said she felt “incredibly helpless” after the decision: “It makes you feel so incredibly helpless.”
The Marr area committee approved the quarry by six votes to three after visiting the site last week.
Councillor Gwyneth Petrie acknowledged residents’ concerns but supported approval based on planning recommendations: “Having visited the site… I am confident we can proceed with this.” Conversely, Councillor Yi-Pei Chou Turvey opposed the plan, citing “so many red flags,” including risks to wildlife and water sources.
Leiths has committed to rehabilitating each section of the site after extraction phases are completed. However, opponents like Foreman remain determined to challenge the decision through legal avenues. The controversy underscores ongoing tensions between development needs and community preservation efforts in Aberdeenshire.
