TRASH CAMPING PLAGUE
Thoughtless visitors leave trail of tents and waste at beauty spots
THE growing trend of ‘trash camping’ in scotland’s beauty spots was yesterday condemned as ‘absolutely vile’.
Council chiefs and conservation groups have accused so-called wild campers of wrecking the natural landscape and putting others in danger.
The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) and the Aberdeenshire ranger service have reported a ‘significant rise’ in anti-social behaviour as the country comes out of lockdown.
Huge piles of litter have been spotted alongside abandoned campsites, with evidence of ‘public toileting’ in places such as Tillyfourie Quarry and Pitfichie Forest in Aberdeenshire.
Earlier this month, near the Queen’s Balmoral Castle, rangers came across an abandoned litter-strewn campsite complete with five tents, chairs and the remains of a fire.
Police have been called to incidents where negligent drivers have arrived at jam-packed car parks for nature walks and left their vehicles on verges and narrow tracks, blocking important access points.
it is feared the state of many countryside destinations could be disastrous for the tourism sector.
Belinda Miller, head of Aberdeenshire Council’s economic development and protective services, said: ‘The North-East is a mecca for visitors and we rely on that tourism to support many of our communities and businesses.
‘some of the scenes that have been reported, such as widespread littering and public toileting, are absolutely vile, and they have no place in our countryside.
‘We want people to enjoy our wonderful array of attractions and beautiful scenery, but if visitors are faced with this sort of behaviour and mess then they are unlikely to return and that will have a massive impact on our tourism sector.’
Fiona Banks of the Aberdeenshire ranger service, said: ‘At the weekend we had numerous reports of car parks being full – including the Muir of Dinnet facility, where we had to call the police to manage the dangerous parking on the verges and roadside.
‘We have so many wonderful areas of countryside in Aberdeenshire
that it’s not worth losing tempers over a parking spot – please have a back-up plan. if an area feels too busy or the car park is full, move to your plan B site.’
The council and the CNPA are now urging anyone who sees any anti-social behaviour to report it to the police.
Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: ‘our officers will continue to engage with the public, explain the legislation and encourage compliance. We will use enforcement as a last resort only where there is a clear breach of the legislation.’
in Tyninghame, East Lothian, locals were left horrified after an estimated 300 campers descended on the area last week.
The East Lothian Council Countryside rangers service said the volume of visitors to a spot with no toilet facilities was ‘beyond what the site could cope with’.
The area was left covered with discarded litter, human waste and tents. The condemnation comes as Mountaineering scotland is asking its members to show the positive side of good campers.
The organisation said: ‘This summer, we want to raise awareness of
“considerate camping” – whether it’s by your car or lightweight camping miles from anywhere.’
Meanwhile, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park has launched an appeal urging visitors to the area to ‘love it like a local’ and take litter home.
Zero Waste scotland also has a campaign – scotland is stunning: Let’s Keep it That Way – urging people not to leave any mess.
Environment secretary roseanna Cunningham said: ‘We have a duty to protect [our environment]. i hope people act responsibly, respect the communities they are travelling to, clean up after themselves and have a safe break.’
Emma Cowing – Page 21
‘Littering and public toileting’