Call for action on ‘dirty’ camping

Mountaineers have called for action to be taken against the growth of‘dirty camping’, which sees irresponsible campers leaving rubbish, fire damage and even whole campsites in their wake.

Mountaineering Scotland is asking for a multi-agency approach to work with communities on local management solutions, along with a public information campaign to educate people about their responsibilities and rights.

The Perth-based organisation says this summer has seen the problem of dirty camping becoming increasingly common in rural hotspots across the country and just last month Perthshire politicians reported incidents in places like Loch Rannoch, Loch Tummel and LochTay.

The group’s conservation officer Davie Black commented:“Anti-social camping can and should be dealt with.

Hotspots for dirty camping are usually known to local authorities.

“We call for all those who are concerned about this to come up with local management plans that identify the problem and its causes, and identify the resources needed to tackle it.

“There is already legislation covering anti-social activity. What we need is coordination of resources to enforce it.”

Chief executive officer Stuart Younie added:“We think greater emphasis should be placed on government agencies, councils and national organisations working together with communities to develop local management solutions. We know where the pressure spots are.

“Almost 15 years on from the publication of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code we think it’s also time to consider a public information campaign to remind people about their rights and responsibilities, including the impact that irresponsible camping has on local people and the environment.”