Fury as travellers leave mounds of rubbish behind on ancient Scottish site
TRASH ANGER Fury as travellers leave mounds of rubbish behind on ancient Scottish site
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
LOCALS have been left fuming after a group of travellers left piles of rubbish scattered across a Scottish beauty spot.
The trash mounds were left stacked at the Huly Hill Standing Stones in the village of Newbridge, near Edinburgh.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
2
Piles of rubbish were left behind
Credit: Alan Simpson
The site is home to 3,000-year-old ancient cairn which dates back to the Bronze Age.
But the historic location was home to two groups of travellers over the past six weeks, according to locals.
The most recent group were moved on by Sheriff Officers earlier this week.
After they left, residents of the village discovered the shocking scenes.
Pictures taken of the site show huge piles of bin bags and other trash scattered around the woods.
Rodents and seagulls have even tore into bags of food waste and made the mess even worse.
Newbridge locals have even claimed fridges, tyres and even HUMAN POO have been found in the woods.
Gus MacKerracher, who is a member of the Newbridge Association, slammed the mess.
He said: "We're all absolutely disgusted.
"Food bags have been burst open, seagulls and rodents have spread more mess everywhere while trying to get into them.
'Absolutely disgusting' - Sunderland fans blasted after footage of how Trafalgar Square was left following party emerges
"Everything has been left in these big piles for about 50 yards. It's trailer loads of rubbish.
"They've left fridges, tyres and bits of fence that was broken off so they can get in.
"Some people were even defecating in the woods."
Discarded pots and pans, used nappies, cans, cups, plates and mugs were all among the rubbish left behind.
Gus, 69, added they are working with Edinburgh Council to try and protect historic area.
He added: "We held a public meeting a few weeks ago about the problem.
"We want to try and get it secured but we have been told it could take a year to get the funding and plan it out.
"We just want to stop this kind of thing from happening.
"The area is very popular with dog walkers and everyone local respects it.
"But I imagine it will cost them a lot just to clean up the mess left behind."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
3 hours ago
- Scotsman
How traditional Scottish food is causing stir on world stage, bringing tourists and trade
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... All around the world, food is becoming more than simply a fuel. It is a cultural experience rooted in place, heritage and story. Social media and increased travel for leisure have amplified this shift, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram thriving on vibrant, shareable content about food. Diners want meals that connect them with the culture and character of where they are or where they dream of going. As a result, under-explored cuisines and ingredients like Mayan sikil pak and Filipino banana ketchup are taking centre stage. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With rich traditions and an enviable natural larder, Scottish food has the opportunity to thrive as a result of this growing appetite for exploring global food experiences. It is tough for food producers at the moment, so looking for a competitive edge is more important than ever. However, despite the challenges, it is also an exciting time for producers in Scotland; and the time is ripe for us to stand proudly on the world stage and turn local flavours into global fascination. Scotland's unspoilt landscapes and traditional Scottish ingredients like heather are part of the reason why global food tourists want to come here (Picture: Peter Thompson/Heritage Images) |Tapping into tradition The global culinary tourism market is growing, driven not just by food but by the stories behind it. According to Skyscanner, San Sebastian in northern Spain is rising in popularity partly because of travellers looking to try Basque cheesecake and pintxos – a Basque version of tapas – which are both rooted in regional identity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This reflects a broader trend: consumers value food that connects to heritage. And this authenticity is something Scotland offers in spades. Our research found that if an item is identifiably grown, reared or produced in Scotland, it makes it more attractive to 87 per cent of UK tourists. And that enthusiasm isn't limited to people living overseas – just over half of Londoners say the same. Traditional Scottish ingredients like oats, seaweed, heather and barley are part of Scotland's story. There's a renewed interest in these ingredients, with many of them inspiring new and exciting products, such as Six Degrees North's Foraged Saison beer, made with foraged elderberries and heather. Scotland's sensory appeal Visual appeal dominates on social media as well as on our plate – as the old adage goes, we eat first with our eyes. And with regulatory pushback against artificial dyes in countries around the world, producers are exploring natural ways to appeal to consumers' senses. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This shift is opening the door to other sensory experiences, particularly scent. Our sense of smell is not only central to flavour, but also closely linked with memory and emotion. Scottish cuisine is naturally rich in evocative aromas and colours: briny seaweed and green samphire evoke our coastline; purple heather and yellow-green juniper recall untamed countryside; and woodsmoke and peat offer a dark depth that contrasts with our open skies. These elements create a sensory landscape on our plates that resonate with visitors, locals and expats alike. For those who have visited, Scottish food brings back memories. For those planning a visit, it's a taste of what's to come. And for Scots abroad, it delivers a comforting sense of home. READ MORE: Our 4 favourite blended Scotch Whisky releases that are as good as any single malt Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Culinary curiosity As consumers search for authentic experiences, hybrid flavours are gaining ground – especially when they balance novelty with familiarity. We see this in crisps with globally inspired flavours like Manchego and olive or Thai red curry. Scottish producers are making their mark here, too, fusing international techniques with local ingredients to make something distinctly Scottish – such as Matugga, bringing African rum distilling techniques to a Scottish distillery. These reflect Scotland's long-standing openness and culinary curiosity, both parts of our culture. Products made in Scotland, by Scots or for Scots, are embraced as part of our identity. That sense of hospitality and inclusion is something to celebrate and is a strength as Scotland's food and drink sector continues to evolve for a global audience. Naturally nutritious Authenticity isn't the only thing driving consumer decisions. Wellness plays a central role in how people choose what to eat. Health is no longer a niche concern. Consumers are increasingly aware of the link between soil health and human health, and they're beginning to avoid ultra-processed foods in favour of naturally nutrient-rich options. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scotland is already well-suited to meet this demand. Our well-earned reputation for unspoilt landscapes, crystal-clear waters and open skies reinforces perceptions of purity and quality. Many traditional Scottish ingredients also align with contemporary dietary preferences, whether natural animal protein, gluten-free or nutrient-dense. They appeal to a broad and health-conscious market. Even trends like fermentation – despite their polarising flavours – are opening the door to more adventurous products with added health benefits. Scottish brands are well-placed to innovate here and use familiar local ingredients to create products that resonate globally and have functional value; consider Slow Sauce's miso made from fermented Aberdeenshire oats. A global presence Scottish cuisine has long been valued for its quality: just look at the £844 million of Scottish salmon and £5.4 billion of whisky exported last year as proof of the global appetite for our products. But there's more to share than seafood and spirits. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad From heritage grains and foraged botanicals to health-driven innovation and cross-cultural creativity, Scottish food is already delivering on the values that modern consumers want: authenticity, quality and nutrition. To fully embrace this momentum, Scottish producers must continue to pair innovation with approachability and lead with the compelling stories which show we deliver on the authentic, meaningful food experiences that consumers are looking for.
Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Daily Record
The Edinburgh hidden gem garden perfect to escape the chaos of the Fringe Festival
It is just a short walk from Scotland's oldest pub. The Edinburgh Fringe is underway, which means the Scottish capital is once again positively buzzing with activity. Everywhere you look in the centre of the city, there are locals and tourists soaking up the atmosphere. Throughout August, Edinburgh welcomes millions of visitors from across the UK and beyond for the biggest arts festival in the world. The legendary event sees countless shows put on all over the city, from standup comedy to theatre and dance. Whether you live in Edinburgh, or are visiting for the Fringe, everybody needs a break from the hustle and bustle. For that reason, the Daily Record's Walk of the Week is a secret gem garden in the city. Dr Neil's Garden is a hidden retreat located in the historic village of Duddingston in the east of Edinburgh, next to Holyrood Park. Situated beside an idyllic pond, the garden features various plants, flowers, and winding paths. Although the garden can be reached in around just 40 minutes on foot from the centre of Edinburgh, it feels worlds away from the chaos of the Fringe. Dr Neil's Garden is the creation of two local doctors: Andrew and Nancy Neil. The GPs started work on the garden in 1963, and they encouraged their patients to help out with the gardening to help clear their heads in tranquil surroundings. Today, the little-known garden is a place where city dwellers can take some time out of their busy lives to reconnect with nature. Visitors will find conifers, heathers, alpines, herbaceous borders, and even a physic garden. After you're done soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of Dr Neil's Garden, you can enjoy a picturesque walk around Duddingston before heading into the historic Sheep Heid Inn for some food and drink. Read on for some photographs that show why Dr Neil's Garden is the perfect destination this Edinburgh Fringe Festival. More information can be found on the Dr Neil's Garden website. If you are still looking for travel inspiration, a few of our recent Walks of the Week can be found below: The Scottish beach just outside of Edinburgh named 'best in the country' The Scottish island walk that was named country's 'best hike' by experts The Scottish beach walk that ends at award winning fish and chips The 'virtually uninhabited' Scottish beach perfect for family summer day out The Scottish 'subtropical' garden that was crowned Family Venue of the Year The stunning Scottish beach with cosy pub by the sand perfect for family day out The perfect Scottish Father's Day hike that ends at inn with delicious Sunday roast Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to the Scotland Now newsletter here. More On Edinburgh Festival Edinburgh Fringe Festival Walking and climbing Edinburgh Discover Scotland Gardens and flowers
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
New huge indoor waterpark opening in the UK with adventure attractions, swimming pools and slides reveals start date
A number of them are already open across the US SPLASH OUT New huge indoor waterpark opening in the UK with adventure attractions, swimming pools and slides reveals start date Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HUGE waterpark could be coming to Basingstoke as part of a huge £200m project in as little as five years. Great Wolf Resorts is hoping to build a huge waterpark on the site of a golf course along with a hotel and adventure park complex - and work is set to start in 2028. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 The resort will have a hotel, adventure trail and huge waterpark Credit: Great Wolf Lodge 6 Other attractions include a high ropes course Credit: Plans for the whole resort include a 500-bedroom hotel, along with a virtual reality experience and ropes course with zip lines that stretch for 200 feet. There will also be an adventure trail, an arcade and bowling alley alongside the indoor waterpark. The waterpark itself will have multiple swimming pools and water slides where temperatures will be kept at 29C so it can be used all year round. On the site will also be restaurants, cafés and bars too. The website says that all the amenities will be available for local families to enjoy with day passes. The company behind the proposed waterpark is Great Wolf Resorts which operates 20 indoor water park resorts across the US and Canada. The Great Wolf Resort request states that the 'anticipated start of construction' for the resort has been set for 2028, with an 'expected duration of approximately two years'. The company has not set an exact date for the construction or the opening of the resort - but it could be open by 2030. It stated that it was 'reviewing multiple potential locations' which it has a 'strong interest in developing'. A spokesperson for Great Wolf Resorts said: "We've been exploring opportunities to expand our signature Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park resort experience beyond North America and we see exciting growth potential for Great Wolf Lodge in the UK. Scots waterpark crowned 'best in the country' to reopen in weeks 6 The company already has 20 sites across the US and Canada Credit: 6 Many of those have the adventure and waterpark Credit: They continued: "The initiation of our Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) scoping inquiries marks an important step as we continue to explore the possibility of bringing a Great Wolf Lodge to Basingstoke. "We believe our resort would act as a catalyst for growth for the area, creating over 600 new, high-quality jobs and attracting more than half a million visitors to the borough each year, providing a significant economic boost and encouraging other leisure operators to invest in the area.' The area in Basingstoke isn't the only one that Great Wolf Resorts has its eye on. It wants to open two more waterparks across the UK, the first in Chesterton, near Bicester. 6 Plans have been drawn out for the Basingstoke site Credit: Great Wolf Lodge Great Wolf Resorts describes it as a "one-of-a-kind family resort experience". It will have lots of attractions, entertainment and dining options. The other is in Derbyshire, which is set to have an indoor waterpark and adventure park too. There will be a 500-room hotel with guest suites that are designed specifically for families. Plus, here's more on the new £100million indoor resort to open in the UK with 'next generation waterpark' and thermal spas. And the top waterpark resorts with super slides, splash parks and swim-up bars revealed by TUI.
