The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Police act over vandalism by wild campers
CRACKDOWN: Three charged after trees chopped down at Perthshire beauty spot
Wild campers have been charged with vandalism after chopping down trees for firewood at a Perthshire beauty spot.
The three men were caught by officers on patrol at Clunie Loch, near Blairgowrie, as part of a Perthshire-wide crackdown on irresponsible visitors.
Campers returned to the area again at the weekend, as measures were put in place to discourage bad parking and stamp out anti-social behaviour and littering.
Traffic orders have been fast-tracked to clear country roads at Clunie Loch and Loch Tummel, where residents reported a line of around 150 cars.
Police Scotland has warned motorists will be fined if they do not move their vehicles, and cars can be towed away if they block access to emergency services.
Perth and Kinross Council, which is leading the campaign with police and fire chiefs, said the majority of campers are behaving responsibly.
However, it was revealed that in the first week of action, one man was arrested for drink-driving, while three others were issued with fixed penalties for speeding.
Officers also recorded two offences at Loch Earn where national park byelaws aimed at protecting the local environment were breached.
Highland councillor John Duff said he visited residents on the south side of Loch Tummel to hear their concerns.
“The place is being inundated with campers along this narrow road – often over 150 vehicles, some with trailers and boats – making passage even harder, especially for farm vehicles,” he said.
The Conservative welcomed the introduction of a rural clearway, making it an offence to stop on the road or within six feet of the carriageway.
“While many of these campers are being responsible, there are far too many who treat the area with absolute contempt,” he added.
Local SNP politicians are calling for greater efforts to tackle the problem across Perth and Kinross.
MP Pete Wishart said: “There is no doubt the scale of the problem is approaching unsustainable.
“Communities are feeling under siege and overwhelmed by the sheer numbers coming to their locality.
“These communities deserve to be protected and they have every right to expect that we assist them in addressing these problems.”
Highland councillor Mike Williamson said: “When groups are arriving with large marquee-style tents and professional music equipment, like we have seen in my ward, then it is no longer legitimate wild camping.”