'No excuse for not bagging and binning'

DOG owners in a Black Isle community caught short while out walking their pets are being told they’ve no longer got an excuse to turn a blind eye to their pooches’ poo.

The installation of four hand-crafted poop bag dispensers in Avoch is being seen as a model other fed-up communities could follow to crack down on the pet peeve of many.

Avoch and Killen Community Council teamed up with the Black Isle Men’s Shed group via link man Roddie McPherson, who lives near the fishing village’s landmark harbour.

The eco-friendly wooden dispensers can be found at the Avoch end of the railway line path, on Shore Walk by the industrial units, at the harbour green and at the start of the Shaltie Burn path.

A spokeswoman for the community council said: "We hope this will encourage owners to pick up their dog’s poop and either put it in a litter bin or take it home. Do not bag it and leave it! Let’s keep Avoch beautiful and safe for all to enjoy."

The move follows a recent initiative in the village to highlight the many paths which can be enjoyed by visitors to the village via a panel erected at a prominent spot near the so-called Lazy Corner.