The number of rangers patrolling East Lothian’s countryside has been almost doubled to help police tackle an expected record number of visitors this summer.
The county’s coastal destinations saw more visitors than ever before last summer, and the trend has continued in recent weeks as crowds flocked to the beach to enjoy the sunshine.
Now eight additional rangers have been temporarily added to the East Lothian Countryside Rangers service, amid concern over the impact of tourists on communities and local beauty spots.
Scottish Government funding has provided the additional seasonal staff to bolster the service’s team of nine rangers as they visit popular sites to dish out advice, and in some cases, fines.
While wild camping is allowed on the county’s beaches, it requires people to ‘leave no trace’ – which means no litter, digging up vegetation or land and using stoves rather than open fires where possible.
People should also avoid setting up camp in areas that are already busy – ruling out most of the county’s packed beaches.
Despite this, last weekend saw hundreds of people fined with 216 penalty notices issued and, at one point, nearly 150 tents counted at a single beach.
Rangers have been out and about advising people about the rules but there were reports of visitors becoming abusive when told their equipment did not meet the wild camping requirements or confronted about behaviour.
Tom Reid, East Lothian Council’s head of infrastructure, said it was important people followed the rules to ensure everyone could enjoy the beaches.
He said: “The high number of visitors can bring some challenges and the council with support from Police Scotland, Scottish Coastguard and Scottish Fire and Rescue Services, have put in place a number of measures to help those seeking to enjoy a day at the beach.
“We want to ensure individuals, families and visiting groups are able to enjoy a day at the coast in a safe manner that doesn’t cause distress or damage to themselves or others.
“Part of our approach is a series of daily patrols in each of the popular sites advising people who may be camping on the need to ‘leave no trace’ and take away all litter.
“Wild camping is something which is enjoyed across Scotland but a minority of campers exploit the true meaning of wild camping and disrespect the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and our environment.
“I would urge all who wish to enjoy East Lothian’s offering to adhere and respect the rules and we will be increasing joint patrols to prevent inappropriate behaviour.”
The eight additional rangers have been funded through NatureScot, part of the Scottish Government’s Better Place Fund.
Mr Reid said: “They have proved to be invaluable in supporting the Countryside Rangers team in spotting potential problems such as unattended fires and so minimising concerns.
“We welcome visitors to our beaches but in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code we simply ask that people act responsibly to enjoy themselves and to respect the natural environment.”
East Lothian Countryside Rangers service was the first to be established in Scotland and has been overseeing the county’s coastline since the 1970s.
