Fife loch campers blasted for anti-social behaviour during lockdown gatherings

ENVIRONMENT: Beauty spot blighted by litter and vandalism

Litter, vandalism and anti-social behaviour are blighting a Fife beauty spot as people break lockdown rules to hold gatherings.

Campers have lit fires and left discarded drinks bottles and cans in the woods at Loch Fitty, near Kingseat, with many items tossed into the loch itself.

An emergency life ring has also gone missing, while parking and off-road bikes are adding to residents’ woes.

Conservative councillor Gavin Ellis branded the behaviour unacceptable.

Mr Ellis has been in touch with Fife Council, landowners and the police, who are working together to tackle the issues raised.

“I was alerted to the issues around Loch Fitty, with groups camping up and leaving their litter from food packaging to alcohol bottles and cans,” he said.

“There have also been issues with the lifebuoy rings going missing.

“Our local community police have been excellent in trying to address the issues but people need to take more pride in our countryside and take their rubbish home.

“Is it essential just now to be camping? I don’t think it is.”

Mr Ellis said off-road bikes at the nearby St Ninian’s former opencast coal site had also been causing a nuisance and neighbours had reported cars blocking the entrance to a stables.

“During the current restrictions this shouldn’t be happening,” he said.

“It’s not essential and in an area popular with families and dog walkers it’s irresponsible.

“I would ask that anyone travelling by vehicle to the area takes notice of the issues surrounding parking at the sables entrance as this is a working stables and access is required. Also, please remember that parking up on the corners and the footpath is a hazard to other road users and pedestrians.”

Fires have been lit and litter left discarded at Loch Fitty with many items tossed into the water itself.