Perth and Kinross Council is creating a new ranger service to help tackle ‘dirty camping.’
At Wednesday’s (March 10) budget meeting councillors approved almost £750,000 towards a visitor management fund and the creation of a countryside ranger service.
Councillors voted for PKC to contribute almost £500,000 to creating a countryside ranger service in an idea proposed by the Independent/Labour group.
Independent councillor Xander McDade convenes the Cairngorms National Park board and has seen the service work there.
Raising the proposal at Wednesday’s meeting of the full council, the Highland ward councillor said: “This new ranger service would work with our partner agencies and support our communities by providing advice to visitors on accessing the countryside responsibly.
“We know that engagement is critical to reduce the effects of littering, fires and anti-social behaviour that can be caused by irresponsible access and given the expectation of another staycation boom it is vital this investment is made now.
“These measures will create a nicer environment for residents and tourists and allow Perth and Kinross to continue to be promoted as a positive place to visit by our tourism businesses.”
Conservative council leader Murray Lyle welcomed the suggestion and - following a recess - incorporated the proposal into his administration’s final budget.
He said committing to providing a ranger service over the next two years would “enhance” the visitor management fund.
The move was welcomed by Highland Perthshire Conservative councillor John Duff, who hopes it will become a permanent service.
Cllr Duff said: “This is an exciting and significant development for Perth and Kinross and for Highland Perthshire in particular. It will greatly assist in our management of visitors and tourists who come to enjoy and explore our beautiful countryside.
“I am very pleased that we were able to agree this with the support of the Independent councillors on the council and I look forward to working with my ward colleague Cllr McDade as we get the ranger service established and operating in Highland Perthshire as quickly as possible.”
He added: “The ranger service funding is initially for two years but I very much hope that it can become a permanent resource which the council can call upon in our area.
“Everyone will recall the significant challenges and, quite frankly, horrendous behaviour of some of our visitors last summer. We cannot allow that to happen again and this significant move will be key to addressing these problems this year.”
Mid Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has also welcomed the move.
He said: “This is really good news for Highland Perthshire and other rural locations such as Clunie Loch as it will help tackle the scourge of ‘dirty camping’.
“I very much welcome this move by the council as this funding will provide a valuable service and one that will hopefully allay concerns raised by residents in Perth and Kinross who have been shocked by the behaviour of some people involved in the likes of dirty camping and leaving litter.”
