Walkers accessing Scotland’s rural estates for recreation over Christmas and New Year are being asked to take account of the ongoing clear-up operation in the wake of Storm Arwen.

Although the full damage is still being assessed from the late-November storm, it is estimated that more than eight million trees were damaged. With more people expecting to be out walking on estates over the festive period, land managers have urged those visiting to take care and follow signage and guidance when in woodland areas where trees may be unstable.

Read more: Forestry sector counts the cost of Storm Arwen

Scottish Land & Estates chief executive, Sarah-Jane Laing, said: “The severe impact of Storm Arwen is still being felt across rural Scotland and in many places, it will be months before estates can fully address the issues of trees that have fallen. Whilst there will be some local knowledge of where damage has occurred, it is especially important for all walkers – especially those travelling from further afield – to follow signage that should have been erected and take care not to access locations which may have been closed off.

“Estates are delighted to have visitors enjoying their walks at Christmas but it is important that everyone keeps safe when doing so. We would encourage people to familiarise themselves with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code which provides useful guidance to estates and members of the public.”

Storm damage was recorded in the Borders and East Lothian, and into Galloway and Aberdeenshire, through Angus and into Perthshire.

Doune Estate, which is part of Moray Estates and is located in Perthshire, near Stirling, is one of the estates that has been busy dealing with damaged areas of forestry. In total, around 60 acres (150 hectares) came down across the estate as well as numerous individual trees along field margins, properties, roads and well used paths.

Estate manager Rory McLeod said: “The damage to woodland and commercial forestry on the estate will take considerable time to rectify. After initially assessing the damage and planning how to move forward, we’re then relying on our skilled staff, and contractors who are in demand across the country, to deal with fallen trees against a backdrop of winter weather.

Read more: Stop and think before clearing trees in wake of storms

“We have had to target our resources to deal with certain areas first, including the local nature reserve where the footfall is greatest, but it is important that walkers take notice of the guidance that is in place to protect their safety and ensure they enjoy their visit without incident.

“As an estate, we highly value providing accessible paths and recreation opportunities for walkers to enjoy and have worked with the community to achieve that," said Mr McLeod. "We know many estates across the country are facing the same issues following Storm Arwen and whilst no one should be put off their winter walk, we’d ask for patience and care when visiting.”