Visitor management problems in parts of Perth and Kinross are said to have “massively improved” since last year.
The scorching weather has brought hordes of visitors to the region – and an increased workload for visitor rangers and parking attendants.
Parking tickets were issued and there have been reports of rubbish being left behind.
But the issues are said to have become manageable compared to last year.
This year Perth and Kinross Council invested £250,000 in a package of measures to deal with issues surrounding dirty campers and the increased influx of visitors due to the pandemic.
The measures included recruiting visitor rangers, installing temporary toilets at 11 popular tourist spots and introducing clearways to stop vehicles parking and blocking narrow roads.
Last weekend arguably brought one of the biggest tests so far to these new measures.
Not only was it the start of the Glasgow Fair Fortnight but it was blazing sunshine and the perfect weather for exploring the great outdoors.
Rubbish is still being left and cars are still blocking roads, but it seems the measures being taken means visitors are not causing issues to the extent they were last year.
Jennifer McIntyre lives next to Loch Tummel – a popular spot with visitors for years, not least Queen Victoria who had Queen’s View named after her following her visit in 1866.
Jennifer told the PA : “What we have seen has massively improved from what we experienced last year.”
Jennifer said the issues had not disappeared but were “manageable now”.
The introduction of clearways seems to have reduced the issue of narrow roads being blocked.
She said: “There are maybe 60 cars parked up at the weekend compared to 260 last year.
“It’s not to the same levels where there was not a single passing place.”
And the issues with rubbish blighting the picturesque countryside is an improving picture.
Jennifer added: “Because the rangers are there they are encouraging everyone to take their rubbish away. We are not seeing the same levels of mess and where they are leaving it behind the rangers are clearing it up.”
Traffic wardens and the police are also patrolling hotspot areas.
Jennifer added: “Speaking to all the other residents they are much happier.”
A PKC spokesperson said: “The good weather always brings more visitors to Perth and Kinross and our rangers continue to patrol beauty spots to provide advice on how to enjoy the countryside responsibly.
“It was a very busy weekend across the area and our visitor rangers as well as parking attendants were present at all hotspots including Clunie Loch and Loch Tummel.
“Police Scotland were also available to provide assistance when this was required.
“We are aware of issues in the Loch Leven area and assisted our partners in cleaning up areas where mess was less behind.
“We welcome visitors to Perth and Kinross and the majority of people enjoy the area, behave responsibly and respect our local communities.
“Drivers are, however, reminded to observe clearways when they are in operation as this ensures the roads remain open to other traffic, including emergency vehicles.
“Anyone who wishes to report an issue can do so by emailing visitormanagementgroup@pkc.gov.uk"
