A Tayside Contracts team spent three weeks installing a road safety barrier on the B8019 stretch.

The Courier reports that the work was due to finish last Friday, but workers accidentally left their road closure signs in place, making it appear that the route was still shut. The blunder was remedied the following day.

Perth & Kinross Council said it became aware of the situation on Saturday afternoon and immediately demanded the signs were taken down.

Forestry and Land Scotland, which operates the attraction, is now seeking compensation from the local authority.

“Tourism is a mainstay of the rural economy and in many cases is the only thing that keeps rural businesses afloat,” a spokesman said.

“We appreciate that sometimes work has to be done to make roads safer but it’s unfortunate that in this case the works took longer than was initially advised and the impact it had on local businesses was greater than was planned for.”

He added: “We would hope that in future, communities are better informed of proposed road works and access issues so that they can develop appropriate contingency plans.”

A local authority spokeswoman said: “Perth and Kinross Council did not give permission to extend the road closure to Saturday November 23, and we regret any inconvenience caused.

“It was agreed with the contractor that they could work on the Saturday using temporary traffic management.

“Unfortunately, the signs were erected by the traffic management company without the permission of the council. The signs were removed as soon as we were aware of them.”

A spokeswoman for Tayside Contracts said the closure signs had been “left in place in error” after worked stopped on Friday night.

“Whilst traffic that presented itself at the works was permitted through, we would apologise for the inconvenience caused to those who followed the diversion.”

She said: “I can confirm it was removed immediately, as soon as we were made aware.”