Conservative politicians are calling on the Scottish Government to launch a media campaign on the Outdoor Access Code in a bid to clampdown on “irresponsible” dirty camping in Highland Perthshire.
Councillor John Duff and Murdo Fraser MSP are both hoping that a recent local incident isn’t the start of another surge in dirty camping which saw several such incidents take place last summer across Highland Perthshire, with a trail of rubbish left in its wake.
Commenting, Highland ward Conservative Councillor John Duff said: “There is little doubt that rural areas of Scotland will once again see a significant increase in visitors once the current travel restrictions are relaxed. Highland Perthshire welcomes all responsible visitors, including those who wish to visit our beautiful countryside.
“However, we need to make sure that everyone understands what their responsibilities are, so we don’t see any of the disgraceful practices which blighted a number of our communities last year.
“Therefore, I call upon the Scottish Government to embark on a media campaign – highlighting the ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ of the Outdoor Access Code and the need to dispose of all litter responsibly.”
He continued: “Perth and Kinross Council is also keen to improve the rural infrastructure for visitors and create additional parking, waste disposal and toilet facilities. Access to funds is a restriction and it would be extremely beneficial if this year’s Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund was made available as soon as possible.
“I therefore would ask the Scottish Government to bring forward these funds with immediate effect to help our communities deal with the impact of increased visitor numbers in the coming months.”
And Mr Fraser, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, added: “I fully back the call to ask the Scottish Government to launch a media campaign to publicise the Outdoor Access Code and try to enforce the message about taking time to think about the impact of leaving litter and human waste has on local communities in Highland Perthshire.
“I believe this has been a large part of the problem - many people who indulge in dirty camping may not realise that they are doing something wrong, and they might not understand that there is an impact from their human waste on watercourses which might be needed to serve animal troughs, or even human dwellings.
“Dirty camping is entirely separate from wild camping – dirty camping is where groups of individuals, often in large groups, camp beside the roadside, on a loch shore, or at beauty spots, and they often cut down trees, light fires, play loud music and disturb local residents, usually leaving a mess of litter, of human waste, and often even some of the camping equipment they brought with them behind.
“It is totally irresponsible and anti-social, and we definitely don’t want a repeat of last summer when we saw a raft of dirty camping take place across Highland Perthshire, so we need the Scottish Government to roll-out a media campaign to highlight what can and can’t be done in the countryside.”