Crackdown on anti-social behaviour at Perthshire lochs

A multi-agency operation to clamp down on anti-social behaviour at three Highland Perthshire lochs will be launched this weekend.

Loch Watch will cover Loch Tummel, Loch Rannoch and Loch Tay, with the aim of educating campers and visitors to enjoy the countryside without damaging it and reminding people of the countryside access code.

Police community safety sergeant Fiona Hetherington said that a “minority” of visitors do such things as cut down trees and are involved in “inconsiderate” parking.

“Officers will be up there trying to positively influence campers and, if need be, enforcement will take place,” she said.

“A minority of persons can cause anti-social behaviour with littering, noise nuisance, vandalism and wildlife offences, such as fishing without a permit. The aim of Loch Watch is to allow members of the public to enjoy the natural beauty of the lochs.”

The operation will involve the police, Perth and Kinross Council, Tay District Salmon Board bailiffs, and river wardens for rivers Tay and Tummel.