‘Bonkers’ campers slammed for flocking to Highland Perthshire

The volume of campers descending on Highland Perthshire has been described as “bonkers” with locals saying police are unable to deal with the amount of call-outs to beauty spots.

Large numbers of tourists have been accused of flouting lockdown rules to travel to Loch Tay, Loch Tummel and Loch Rannoch over the course of the weekend.

Jennifer MacIntyre, who runs The Stable Loft on Loch Tummel, believes there should be more police patrols in the area to deal with the influx.

She said: “The police are fighting a losing battle because more people just move in.

“They’ve told me they only have one patrol car and are spread really thin.

“I think there should be more patrols, they’ve been inundated.

“I’m just surprised and angry by the sheer volume (of tourists) here. They’re not all from the same house. It’s crazy.”

Independent Highland Perthshire councillor Xander McDade said the “significant breaches” were putting everyone at risk.

He added: “Following the easing of lockdown restrictions, there has been a sharp rise in traffic to the Highlands.

“A number of constituents have contacted me to report breaches of the new guidelines involving campers and campervans.”

Police Scotland would not confirm how many times they were called to the beauty spots.

However, a spokesperson for the force said: “The regulations are clear – people should only leave the house for very limited purposes, for example for basic necessities, for exercise or recreation, for medical needs or travelling for work which cannot be done from home.”

The police are fighting a losing battle because more people just move in. JENNIFER MACINTYRE