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Praise for rangers who wake up dirty campers and tell them to clear their mess


By Gavin Musgrove

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Highland Council access rangers told campers near Loch Ness to move on.
Highland Council access rangers told campers near Loch Ness to move on.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority has stopped short of saying it would follow the example of rangers in the region who woke up dirty campers and got them to tidy up their mess and moved them on.

Campers near Loch Ness were given their marching orders after being woken up and told to clear up their rubbish.

Pictures of litter and a partly-burned log outside their tents have been posted on social media by Highland Council's access team.

The images which were put up this week were accompanied by a post: "These campers were woken up and told to tidy up and move immediately. They were doing so and it will be checked later. Police were also informed."

The action prompted messages of wide spread support from the public.

"Well done," said one post. "Too many wild camping and not looking after the place.

"It's a shame for the ones who tidy up but far too many don't. Something needs to be done."

Another said: "There should be an absolute ban on campfires. Look at the horrible damage they are doing."

There were repeated incidents of dirty camping in the strath last year after the end of lockdown with Loch Morlich and the surrounding Glenmore area particularly hard hit.

When asked by the Strathy if the CNPA would take such an approach, a spokeswoman said: “Our team of rangers and those of partners seek to engage positively with the public to enable them to continue their activity responsibly, but obviously they have to assess each situation on a case by case basis and act accordingly."

She added: “Responsible wild campers are always welcome in the Cairngorms National Park and thankfully the majority of visitors are responsible.

"It is always disappointing to hear reports of anti-social behaviour.

Our rangers work together with land managers and, when necessary, with Police Scotland and the local authorities, who are responsible for dealing with anti-social behaviour and littering.

"This partnership approach aims to ensure that everyone who visits the CNP this summer has a safe and enjoyable time."


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