Devil of a job reaching glen
Traffic chaos sparked byTV show
Traffic problems have been reported at a beauty spot made more popular after featuring in a television blockbuster.
Issues involving dangerous and illegal parking at the Devil’s Pulpit, off the A809, near Killearn, were raised at the village’s community council.
The attraction, also known as Finnich Glen, is a secluded 100ft gorge and was one of the locations for Outlander which tells the story of a British nurse from World War two who time travels back to the 18th century.
Its towering walls of rock were the backdrop for the scene in which Dougal uses the `truth-inducing waters’ to make sure he believed and trusted Claire.
And it’s visitors coming from all over the world to see the spot where the scene was shot which is causing problems.
Residents have told the community council of “chaotic” traffic scenes in the area and one told members: “I have been driving in that area fairly frequently over the last 10 days or so and have been amazed by the number of vehicles, a significant number of which were foreign.
“The area is being `promoted’ by Visit Scotland with no indication of the parking difficulties when a large number of people arrive.
“We believe that significant dangers are arising for motorists and also for people walking on the road from cars parked at some distance.
“If there was a serious accident at the site – not unlikely given the difficult access– it might pose grave difficulties for the rescue services.”
The resident urged the community council to raise the problem with Stirling Council.
Police say concerns about traffic problems have been raised with them.
In a report to the community council, community officers said: “On April 14, 2017, a vehicle was found to be parked in that area whilst causing an obstruction.
“The vehicle was recovered by police and the driver subsequently reported to the Procurator Fiscal for a road traffic offence.
“Police will continue to monitor this area and take enforcement action where applicable.”
Scenes from Outlander were also filmed a Deanston Distillery and Doune Castle.
The 14th Century castle is currently undergoing a £300,000 makeover to cope the increased number of visitors, many of them Outlander fans.
And last month the Observer reported that the team behind the programme were scouting parts of Cambusbarron as a potential location for the series.
Local folklore suggests the Devil’s Pulpit is said to have been where Satan himself preached to the Monks below, to convert them to his order.