Track campaign needs your help

Outdoor enthusiasts heading to the hills of Perth and Kinross are being asked to help note evidence of tracks scarring mountains.

Access tracks are allowed under certain conditions, but there are concerns that the rules are being ignored, and this could be detrimental.

The Scottish Environment LINK Hilltracks group wants hill-goers to photograph or video any instances of upland tracks that are harming the landscape or environment.

Anyone who comes across what they think might be a new or expanded track is asked to email hilltracks@scotlink.org or tweet using hashtags #Hilltracks or #NoMotorsUpMountains.

The umbrella organisation of many of Scotland’s biggest outdoor and conservation groups is aiming to report on legislation is effective.

The hilltracks group says there have been concerns for decades about such tracks, and whether their primary purpose in every case fits within the intention of permitted development.

Mel Nicoll who is working with LINK Hilltracks, said:“People are often shocked to learn that landowners generally can’t be refused permission before they bulldoze new tracks in Scotland’s hills as long as they are claimed to be for agriculture or forestry, including in some of our wildest, most untouched landscapes and national parks.

The organisation says that sites in northern Perthshire have had tracks created over recent years.