CARELESS CAMPERS

When the powers that be announced we could venture further afield than the local shop, I, like many people up and down the country, jumped at the chance to pack up the family (including our beloved lab Misty) and spend some time wild camping in the great outdoors. With husband, two kids and pooch in tow, we ventured to the beautiful Glen Etive in the Highlands.

Our excitement quickly turned to shock and anger when we arrived and began our search for the best spot to set up camp. Empty beer cans, used tissues, food wrapping and a pair of manky socks were just a few examples of the rubbish we found strewn across the famous beauty spot.

Thinking of the kids and Misty we were careful to check for broken glass, thankfully there was none. Some reckless so and so had even left a pop-up tent behind. We cleared up what we could and took the rubbish we found (along with our own) away with us when we left, but my husband and I were outraged.

How dare these people treat our countryside – and the people who work extremely hard to maintain and protect it – in such a manner? Unfortunately after a quick search on the internet I quickly discovered that this happened across the country in the summer months, Loch Earn and Loch Garry being just two other examples.

We’ve all faced some extremely testing times over the past few months and one thing we’ve all realised more than ever is that the outdoors provides a wonderful relief and a chance to disconnect from the world's (and our own) problems.

While I like to think the majority of people have grown more respectful and appreciative of the beautiful places we have on our doorstep, it’s clear that challenging times continue to bring out the very best and the very worst in people.

Vanessa Chadwick, Stirling