Landowners in bid to block rogue campers from accessing sites

Fences and boulders in place at popular lochside locations

Landowners in Highland Perthshire have installed barriers to curb rogue wild campers.

The shores of Loch Tay, Rannoch and Tummel have been blighted by irresponsible tourists since lockdown restrictions were eased.

Litter and camping equipment has been left strewn around and there have been many more campfires.

Local residents fear visitors travelling from across Scotland could be bringing coronavirus with them.

After a string of unsuccessful measures to stem the growing problem, estate workers are now blockading sites used by campers along Loch Rannoch.

Nine popular spots on the north western shore have been blocked to vehicles by gates, fences, and boulders.

Loch Rannoch Conservation Association’s Steve Roworth said: “I suppose it is inevitable that landowners’ reactions to anti-social behaviour is an attempt to restrict access.

“These new fences, locked gates and boulders will affect nine of Loch

Rannoch’s most popular camping and fishing sites.

“I don’t think it will stop camping. It will stop vehicles and it could lead to conflict. I don’t know what the answer to this problem is but I don’t believe it’s fences and gates.

“Legislation is impossible to enforce so I’d like to see more education and engagement.

“We have a part-time countryside ranger, so it could be good to look at increasing their hours.

“We’re expecting a rush this weekend when tourism opens up again.”

The measures have been taken in the same week as local residents reported boaters taking to the water on Loch Tummel at 3am and campers, searching for firewood, abandoning tools midway through felling trees.

Across Highland Perthshire, fishing clubs have tried to prevent anglers from travelling across Scotland by restricting permits to people living within a few miles of clubs.

Ward councillor Mike Williamson said: “Locally, people are fed up with this excessive behaviour. I almost feel like there’s a festival mentality, where people think they can rock up and do what they like.

“This behaviour could end up ruining the countryside for everyone.

“We fought for so long to get right of access.

“We don’t want it to be taken away because of irresponsible behaviour.”

I almost feel like there’s a festival mentality, where people think they can rock up and do what they like. COUNCILLOR MIKE WILLIAMSON

Fences and boulders have been used in a bid to stop irresponsible campers.