Cash pot plan to tackle problem of dirty camping

Communities could get council cash to build car parks and buy bins in an effort to curb complaints about dirty campers at beauty spots throughout Perth and Kinross.

Council bosses h av e spent the summer dealing with complaints about parking, congestion and discarded shanty towns of abandoned tents and litter.

And they believe problems caused by unruly visitors will persist into 2021.

Councillors are now being asked to consider a multi-pronged strategy to better prepare the region for another busy – and potentially messy – year.

The proposals aim to crack down on dirty camping, while welcoming responsible visitors and offering them a more positive experience.

The package builds on work by the authority and other partners including Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Forestry and Land Scotland.

Perth and Kinross Council intends to pool resources with Police Scotland to create a temporary co- ordinator post. The new role would involve working with communities and landlords on short- term solutions such as more toilets.

The council’s Community Environmental Challenge Fund will also be expanded to welcome applications from local groups. Money will be made available for remedies, such as creating new hardstanding areas at hotspots for parking. The money could also go towards providing more bins.

There are also further plans for a communications strategy to teach visitors about responsible litter disposal and better signposting local facilities.

Council chiefs have also warned that a “more robust” approach to enforcement action could be taken.

The plan will focus on known hotspots at Clunie Loch, Foss Road, Rannoch, Schiehallion, Loch Tay, St Fillans and Loch Earn.

Meanwhile new toilet blocks and other facilities are being built at Aberfeldy and Loch Leven.

A council spokeswoman said: “Traditionally, wild camping has been carried out by people with an affinity for the countryside, and who act responsibly to leave no trace behind them.

“One of the issues this year has been the unprecedented number of visitors, who would not usually undertake this activity and are either unaware of, or not inclined to pursue, responsible camping practices.”