MSP on Countryside Litter, Fires and Noise
ONE ISSUE that cropped up during my summer surgery tour in Highland Perthshire was the problem of ‘wild campers’ – campers camping but not on authorised campsites. Some local residents contacted me and mentioned problems about litter being left, fires being lit indiscriminately, and high levels of noise at night, writes MSP Murdo Fraser.
Highland Perthshire has enjoyed a hot and sunny summer, which has resulted in a higher than usual number of wild campers coming to the area. Whilst we do, of course, wish to see people coming to the area and supporting the local economy, and whilst most do act responsibly, the actions of a minority are causing concern to local residents.
I believe that people who camp wild should always take care to take their litter home with them and not despoil the natural beauty of the area which is what attracts visitors in the first place.
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Moreover, with the summer’s spell of very dry weather, lighting fires in the countryside can be irresponsible and dangerous. Where there are people’s homes near to sites used for camping, campers need to be aware of the need to protect the amenity of local residents and keep noise levels to a minimum, especially late at night.
I have asked Perth & Kinross Council what steps they might take to remind campers of their responsibility in the countryside. Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the countryside, but that must be balanced against the rights of people who live in the area on a permanent basis.
A SMASHED TENT, sleeping bag, empty tins and beer cans, food packaging, masses of broken glass, bottles, plastic bottles, 6 pairs of socks, used sanitary towels and condoms, party hats, pairs of dirty knickers…all from just one small area on Robert’s island close to Wade’s bridge in Aberfeldy.
This was the fruit of one man’s clear up as he walked his dog on Monday 21 August. Tony Smith, a resident new to the area, returned with three large bin bags to bring the rubbish for collection by the scaffy wagon by the monument green. “I can’t comprehend how party animals can just wantonly despoil this beautiful place,” he told Comment.
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