A road through picturesque Galloway Forest Park has had to be closed after thoughtless visitors left it looking like a dump.
And forestry bosses are warning the situation on the Carrick Forest Drive is so bad they may close it permanently.
The drive runs for six miles between Loch Doon Castle and Stinchar Bridge and offers stunning scenic views.
It is normally open to vehicles between May and October but during lockdown it attracted high levels of antisocial behaviour.
It has now been shut for the rest of the year so that Forestry and Land Scotland can tackle the littering across the area.
South region manager Dr Sallie Bailey said:“It’s really disappointing that so many people think so little of the beautiful part of the country that they live in that, during lockdown, they have used it as a dumping ground.
“We are having to waste time and resources clearing an inordinate amount of litter, waste, fly tipping – and repairing vandalism – from a number of sites but Carrick Forest Drive is without doubt the worst that we’re having to contend with.
“The situation is so bad that we’re considering closing the route permanently.”
Police have been called in as closed access gates were vandalised while household waste, nappies and camping gear were among the items left behind.
Dr Bailey added: “With the travel restrictions now eased, people are slowly beginning to return to our sites. I would strongly urge everyone to be considerate of our staff – and of other visitors – and to behave appropriately.
“And please remember that the outdoors doesn’t just belong to you – it’s for everyone to enjoy so take your litter home.”
