NAKED RAMBLERS AND CHAINSAWS ...WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?
ANGRY nudists are planning to arm themselves with chainsaws – to protect their naked ramble.
Members of the British Naturism group have gathered to walk naked through Scots beauty spot Morag’s Fairy Glen for the past few years.
But the path through their favourite wooded glen has now been closed by the local council amid safety concerns over fallen trees, crumbling walkways and broken bridges.
Plans for local volunteers to clear the glen have fallen flat, prompting the naturists to address the problem.
They are seeking permission to clean up the glen, outside Dunoon, Argyll, after learning that charity cash awarded to the town’s community council to restore the neglected beauty spot had been returned – reportedly due to a lack of volunteers. The nudists fear that without swift action the cost of clearing the area will become too expensive, threatening their annual retreat.
The naturists’ hike through the glen is a highlight of an annual clothes-free gathering held at Dunoon’s Glenmorag Hotel. The springtime event attracts dozens of naturists from across Europe.
Ivan Gill, the 70-something organiser, said: ‘There aren’t any other events in British Naturism that permit people to walk naked directly out of a venue and into a local beauty spot.
‘In that respect it’s absolutely crucial that we maintain the glen.
‘The walk is extremely popular but everybody this year could see the glen is falling into rack and ruin.
‘We couldn’t go our usual route because it was too risky, and people were climbing over fallen trees on the paths.
‘We get a lot of pleasure from walking in the glen and we want to demonstrate that we are willing to do something to help save it in return. I’ve had several people offer to come up to help.
‘They were initially more concerned that they could do it in the buff but I don’t think it would be safe with chainsaws.
‘I don’t think we’re necessarily talking about doing the clear-up as naturists.’
The path was closed by Argyll and Bute Council, and Mr Gill is urging the local authority to arrange expert supervision for volunteers willing to clear the area.
He also criticised Dunoon Community Council for not doing enough to find willing clear-up recruits.
Mr Gill said: ‘I don’t believe there will be enough new money found now they’ve returned that grant to rectify the serious problems this year and the ravages of another winter would probably mean the expense would then be too great.’
Dunoon Community Council, which returned a £1,400 grant from Scottish charity Paths for All, said it had advertised for volunteers through its Facebook page but was not successful.
Argyll and Bute Council said it is awaiting reports on the cost of repairs.
‘People were climbing over fallen trees’