Highland Council calls for government support to tackle dirty camping
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Highland Council is calling on the Scottish Government to support them in tackling the growing problems being caused by what they dub uncontrolled camping.
Local Highland councillors have said that many parts of the region are now being adversely impacted.
Loch Morlich and Glenmore has been one of the highest profile beauty spots to be blighted by litter, camp fires and human excrement following the end of lockdown travel restrictions.
Members of the council have today agreed to use its resources to help reduce the public health risk and called on Scottish Ministers to do likewise.
The motion reads: “Many areas of the Highlands are being adversely affected by a huge increase in uncontrolled camping. This may or may not improve with the opening of camp sites. Future demand from 'staycationers' may well outstrip any possible supply of campsite spaces.
“The public health risks from this increase in camping during a pandemic must be addressed with urgency.
"Steps that may be taken to reduce public health risks include increase waste collections, better traffic management, restrictions on alcohol consumption, and financial support for beach or countryside wardens, temporary toilet and handwashing facilities.
"Highland Council commits to use its resources where practicable and affordable to support such steps and calls on the Scottish Government and its agencies to work with us.”
The motion was signed by Councillors Ben Thompson, Andrew Baxter, John Finlayson and Calum Munro.
Councillors have said it is very sad that the actions of a minority are having an impact on the rest of law-abiding people.
The local authority has also agreed to urgently investigate "how best to encourage private hosting of campervans and caravans by crofters and small-holders and publicise the results of this study widely".
