Scottish Conservative politicians have highlighted the importance of new Visitor Rangers in the bid to clampdown on anti-social behaviour in rural areas of Perth and Kinross.
Councillor John Duff and Murdo Fraser MSP both feel the seven new Rangers, who started work on May 28, will help deal with a variety of issues, including ‘dirty camping’ and discarded litter.
Commenting, Conservative Councillor for the Highland Ward John Duff, said: “I have met the recruits who have joined the Visitor Ranger Service team and they are keen to get to work and looking forward to welcoming our visitors. They are well aware of the extremely challenging issues which affected places throughout Highland Perthshire and elsewhere across Perth and Kinross last year.
“We all want visitors to enjoy their stay in our beautiful local authority, but they need to respect the countryside and our way of life and I believe that this new Ranger Service will be key to achieving that aim.”
And Mr Fraser, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, added: “The Conservative-led Perth and Kinross Council must be praised for employing the seven Visitor Rangers across the region. It is a very positive move and should lead to a clampdown on problems that have occurred in rural areas, mainly associated with ‘dirty’ camping, including litter, noise, drunkenness, starting fires, vandalism, unhygienic toileting and blocking roads/field entrances.
“We have seen much of this abhorrent type of behaviour in scenic places in Highland Perthshire, but these issues will now be partly addressed through the work of the Visitor Rangers who can educate visitors on the likes of the Outdoor Access Code.”