Special police constables have been volunteering their time to support the region’s multi-agency campaign to protect Perth and Kinross beauty spots from dirty camping.
On the recent weekend of May 29-30, SPC Crane and SPC Burns met up with partners in the Visitor Management Group, including the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, parking enforcement officers and visitor rangers from Perth and Kinross Council.
Collectively, they worked together to “engage, explain, encourage and enforce” with people in rural areas to promote a safe, enjoyable and responsible visit to Perth and Kinross.
The “Love It Like you Live Here” campaign urges people not to spoil sites for visitors or local people.
The PKC -led management group - which includes Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue as well as Forestry and Land Scotland - is hoping to avoid a repeat of last year where a number of communities suffered as a result of littering and vandalism over the summer.
SPC Burns commented: “I’m really proud to be able to give up my time in National Volunteer Week in a way that supports other people to enjoy these special places both safely and responsibly.
“If you are planning to visit Perth and Kinross over the coming weeks, please plan ahead carefully, follow advice and guidance from visitor rangers and our colleagues in other agencies, leave no trace of your stay and, most importantly, be sure to enjoy your visit and Love It Like You Live Here.”
The multi-faceted campaign sees clearways for car parking and digging kits for the disposal of human waste among the tools to be used to tackle the scourge.
A new car parking area has also been created at Clunie Loch, thanks to a donation of hardcore from Breedon Aggregates.
One of the main issues raised last year was human waste and an innovative new pilot project running at Loch Tummel and Loch Rannoch aims to tackle this unsanitary issue.
“Dig It Kits”, which include a metal trowel and paper bags, will be issued to visitors to encourage the responsible disposal of human waste.
Perth and Kinross Council has also invested £250,000 to fund seven visitor ranger posts over the summer months.
An email address has been set up at visitormanagement@pkc.gov.uk for communities to report any issues.
