So-called ‘proud’ Scots who dump rubbish at beauty spots slammed

CAMPAIGN: Move to tackle selfish behaviour after litter, camping gear and human waste left

So-called “proud” Scots who trash local beauty spots have been blasted by land managers and conservationists.

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has launched a new campaign to curb rampant littering across Highland Perthshire.

The plea for calm, backed by a range of organisations including the Cairngorms National Park Authority, follows weeks of problems such as the discovery earlier this week of dumped bottles and abandoned camping gear on the south shore of Loch Tay.

In a separate incident on Monday, 21 people were charged in connection with irresponsible camping and environmental damage in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

Scottish Government body FLS is reminding the public that while many car parks and beauty spots are reopening, waste collection services might not yet be up and running.

“Help avoid repeats of the selfish... behaviour that over the past few weeks has seen many sites swamped by litter – or even despoiled by human waste.

SIMON HODGSON, FORESTRY AND LAND SCOTLAND

Chief executive Simon Hodgson said: “As Scotland gets reaccustomed to travelling further afield for leisure pursuits, we are appealing to the public to help avoid repeats of the selfish, irresponsible behaviour that over the past few weeks has seen many sites swamped by litter – or even despoiled by human waste.

“This sort of anti-social behaviour not only creates a significant health hazard but also eats into the limited resources that land managers have at their disposal.

“The sad thing is, many of the people responsible for the littering would say they were proud to live in Scotland, and yet – as we have seen over the past few weeks – they treat our beautiful countryside in this contemptible manner. It’s not acceptable.”

Grant Moir CEO at the Cairngorms National Park Authority said: “People come to the Cairngorms for the beautiful landscapes, scenery and the peace and quiet. Since the coronavirus pandemic we have seen an increase in visitors who are new to the park and we have worked hard to promote how people can enjoy the park safely and responsibly.”

Scottish Natural Heritage has also urged people to follow the outdoor code.

An abandoned campsite at Loch Venachar in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. More than 20 people have been charged in relation to irresponsible camping and environmental damage.