Snap-happy tourists ‘ruining landscape’

HIS Highland panoramas have sold Scotland as a must-see destination to millions of tourists.

But landscape photographer Colin Prior has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the threat snaphappy visitors have on the hills.

He claimed they are destroying natural wonders such as Glencoe, likening their footfall to ‘a herd of wildebeest’.

However, his remarks have angered representatives of businesses who rely on tourism.

Mr Prior, whose BBC documentary about the North-West Highlands airs tonight, said in a Sunday newspaper: ‘There are marketing drives to bring more tourists and thanks to Instagram and WhatsApp, people see other people’s pictures and want to take their own.

‘The landscape has become a playground for people who want to get into the countryside. I welcome that.

‘There has always been a conflict between commerce and the environment but no one appears to have the slightest concern for the significant increase in footfall to certain accessible areas.

‘If you go to key photography hot spots at Glencoe, like the River Coupall, it looks like a herd of wildebeest goes through daily. It’s completely churned up.’

But David Richardson, Highland development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, said: ‘If we want vibrant communities in the Highlands, we have to ensure there are sustainable jobs – and the tourism industry provides that.

‘There is no evidence that anything is being destroyed by footfall. Tourism is a force for good as long as you have the infrastructure to cope with it.’

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘Certain areas are experiencing more visitors than ever seen. We continue to work to ensure tourism growth is sustainable and responsible.’

Colin Prior Mountain Man – North West Highlands, BBC2 Scotland, tonight, 8pm.