Wild campers making a mess on the banks of a loch in Highland Perthshire are being watched by local residents.
Problems such as littering and damage to the environment have caused anger in the Loch Tummel area for years.
The Loch Tummel Riparian Association held a meeting last month attended by local residents and politicians to discuss the issue.
Now, those who live near the loch are watching out for tourists pitching up on the southern shore before deciding what form of action to take.
Neil Campbell, who runs the Ardgualich Farm camping and caravan site on the north bank of the loch, wants to see a clamp-down on antisocial behaviour.
He said: “The trouble is mainly on the south side of the loch. The site has historically been used for wild camping, before it became fashionable.
“It was used by families and groups who camped, picnicked and enjoyed the area.
“We’ve noticed that over the last seven or eight years, there have been progressively fewer genuine wild campers, as they’re being driven out by people who come with a party mentality.
“The people who are coming now are doing so primarily to have a party with loud music and large amounts of alcohol, leaving behind their cheap tents.
“There are enormous amounts of rubbish being left behind, at huge detriment to the environment. They bring very little to the local economy.
“Some people are bringing chainsaws and destroying trees and fences. Following on from a meeting last month, we’re monitoring the situation before we decide on what action to pursue.”
Deputy First Minister and local MSP John Swinney is keen to see a full range of options examined to ensure the problem is tackled in the most effective way.
He said: “This was a productive meeting that brought together several key stakeholders. I was particularly grateful that representatives from Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park were able to share their experience of dealing with similar issues.
“Whilst the majority of wild campers are responsible and law-abiding, there was a broad consensus that steps must be taken to discourage those acting in an anti-social manner.
“Their advice, which was accepted by the other attendees, was to gather as much data as possible before looking to take further action.
“By specifically tracking the frequency and location of incidents, local groups will be better able to pinpoint the areas most affected by rogue wild campers.
“I am hopeful that local groups will follow this recommendation, which will allow future meetings to progress on the basis of solid evidence and data.”
Highland ward councillor Mike Williamson added: “The area has been blighted with the damage caused by some wild campers.
“There has been littering, chopping down trees and there’s been caravan’s dumped. We have a duty of care to protect the environment.”
