A charity has unveiled plan to build a £10 million mountain bike park in Aberdeenshire.

The North East Trail Centre Organisation (Netco) has selected a site at Durris Forest, situated between Stonehaven and Banchory, for the project following a year-long feasibility study which looked at four potential sites.

The plan is for multiple bike runs, nature trails, and dry slope skiing and snowboarding facilities.

Netco said it hopes to raise funds through a mixture of public and private sources.

Netco chairman Martin Byers told the Evening Express: “It’s the perfect time to launch our vision of a multi-adventure activity mountain bike park, which we firmly believe is greatly needed in Aberdeenshire.

“Our plans represent an opportunity to inspire more people to discover outdoor sports in a natural environment, bolster Scotland’s current mountain biking facilities strategy, create jobs and help bring sustained growth to our local economy.”

He added: “Durris is an excellent venue due in part to its convenient proximity to Aberdeen and surrounding towns.

“Incorporating snow sports enhances the appeal of the development for everyone and opens up market opportunities.”

Belinda Miller, head of economic development at Aberdeenshire Council, said: “This is an exciting and innovative proposal from Netco and one that has the potential to put this part of Scotland on the map for family-friendly adventure sports facilities.”

Public consultations with the local community will take place early next year, ahead of a formal planning application to Aberdeenshire Council.