Loch Morlich's ring of fires continues despite all the warnings
This is the scene tonight in Glenmore as wild campers ignore all the warnings and the requests about lighting barbecues and camp fires.
The shot was taken at 11.30 with campers clearly lighting up around the area, just as others had done last week, to the growing concern of the community.
Aviemore and Vicinity Community Council, despairing at what possible disaster lies ahead in these tinder-dry conditions through Rothiemurchus Forest, are calling on the authorities to toughen up.
"I am writing to express Aviemore and Vicinity Community Councils support for a by law to address some of the well documented problems arising from beach camping at Loch Morlich," chairman Peter Long petitioned the Cairngorms National Park Authority this week.
"AVCC has already raised concerns about the impact of camping and related anti-social behaviour, particularly the fire risk. We are fully supportive of the efforts of Rangers and other staff from the various agencies, but feel strongly that a more enforcement based approach is now required.
"This week’s meeting with Glenmore residents confirmed both the scale of the problem, and the need and support for legislation to address the situation.
"We believe that there is support in the wider Aviemore community for legislation.
"As already requested by the Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust, we are calling for a By-Law prohibiting:
"1 The lighting of any fire including any charcoal barbeque within the forest areas of Glenmore including on the beach and foreshore of Loch Morlich.
"2 All camping on the beach and foreshore of Loch Morlich, and in particular within 100 metres of the Loch other than on a designated campsite.
"We hope that this can be progressed as quickly as possible. The Community Council will publicly support the implementation of any such measures."
The chairman has copied in all local national park board members, Highland Councillors, MP Drew Hendry and local MSPs.
