Glen Affric vandalism condemned

With hot and dry weather conditions continuing to present a serious fire risk, Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has condemned the behaviour of some forest visitors as irresponsible and inconsiderate.

The discovery of an abandoned campsite at Glen Affric, which included the remains of a fire and freshly cut trees, has brought fresh calls for visitors to respect, protect and enjoy the outdoors.

FLS Visitor Services Ranger, Sandra Reid, said;

“It was a disaster area. It looks like a weekend outing with everything left behind such as tarpaulin awning, camping gear and a whole lot of litter.

“We counted 50 glass bottles as we cleared up, including empty alcohol bottles.

“Six trees were cut down mostly to serve as supports for the awning but, with a campfire on the go, someone might have thought to try and use some of it as fuel.

“We understand people want to get out and enjoy the countryside, especially in this spell of weather and in one of Scotland’s most beautiful locations, but there is no excuse for this sort of antisocial behaviour.

“The littering and vandalism is bad and, with the blatant disregard of warnings against campfires, it is pure luck that things were not much worse.”

FLS urges everyone to adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and to always follow local guidance.

It also advocates use of camping stoves or gas barbecues and cautions against campfires and disposable barbecues as stray sparks or embers are enough to start a wildfire that can spread very quickly and become a major threat to human life, wildlife biodiversity and property.

Cigarettes must be properly and safely extinguished.

Deadwood is important for biodiversity and is not for burning and freshly cut trees will also not burn.

Anyone spotting a wildfire should call 999 immediately.

Notes to Editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
2. Home - Forestry and Land Scotland | twitter.com/ForestryLS
3. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Senior Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07785 527590 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot