Viewpoint is littered with rubbish

POLICE have agreed to do regular foot patrols of the viewpoint at Pulpit Hill after complaints from residents about the state of the area.

Crannaig A Mhinister resident John Calderwood says the area is strewn with broken bottles and empty beer cans that tourists have to step over.

The view across the islands and north to Lochaber is renowned as one of the finest on the west coast.

Mr Calderwood explained: ‘Last Sunday I took a walk up to the viewpoint and was disgusted by the mess which had been left recently by people using the area as a drinking venue.

‘The area was strewn with broken bottles which had not just been dropped but had been thrown with force which resulted in numerous pieces of broken glass lying around.

‘I have previously picked up the remnants but I’m afraid the pieces were so small I would have been there for many hours.

‘In addition, empty cans of lager had also been left.

‘The area was very busy with visitors and I apologised for the mess. A couple of holidaymakers went to their car and came back with a dustpan and brush and despite my efforts to dissuade them, they swept up the majority of the broken glass. The visitors were on holiday from Galloway and had been making a return visit to remind them of a previous tour so I can only imagine their thoughts on seeing this mess.

‘This area is very popular with both locals and tourists with children and animals, so it must only be a matter of time before someone is seriously injured.

‘Police have been informed of the problem in the past. It is an offence under the bye-laws prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in designated public places in Oban, which came in to being in 2012.

‘I do not know what the answer could be but perhaps regular police patrols on foot. Even leaving their vehicle a short distance away and walking the remainder might just deter those responsible.’

Mark MacCann, who takes a walk up the hill most days, added: ‘There are people who like to drink themselves silly up here and then just leave everything behind.

‘I often see teenagers drinking bottles of cider and I am worried that parents think they are safe but quite clearly they are not.’

Inspector Mark Stephen at Oban police station said: ‘I will make sure the viewpoint gets more attention from ourselves, including foot patrols.’