Warning issued after 'tree cut down and beauty spot trashed'
Highland Council has issued a warning to the public after tree was chopped down and a beauty spot in Skye was trashed.
Local mountain guide Adrian Trendall discovered two tents surrounded by 'empty bottles and rubbish everywhere' at the start of the trail to Sgurr na Banachdaich, leading into Coire Banachdaich, on Tuesday.
He claims the littering culprits also cut down a silver birch tree in a conservation area which is a site of special scientific interest.
'Can you imagine walking into what is virtually our front garden and finding a trail of litter leading up the path to where these guys had camped?,' Adrian told STV News. Adrian Trendall via Supplied Adrian claimed to come across litter within the conversation area on Tuesday.
'Then to find two tents surrounded by empty drinks bottles and rubbish blowing everywhere. The area is a conservation area, a site of special scientific interest and home to a lot of rare plants, a pretty unique habitat since there are very few trees in the Cuillin.
'They had tried to light a fire with a silver birch tree which they'd cut down but being live wood, it was only blackened and charred a bit. Anyone is welcome to come to this world class landscape but please respect it and leave it as you find it.'
Following the incident, Highland Council has urged the public to show a 'level of respect for the countryside' and warned that police and land managers will pursue legal action if laws are being broken.
A Highland Council spokesperson said: 'The Highland Council employs a team of 18 access rangers to engage with communities and visitors to encourage responsible behaviour in accordance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
'Where people are found to be acting in a way that shows a clear disregard for the environment, the access rangers will take time to explain the issues and to encourage a great level of respect for the countryside and consideration for other people who enjoy the area.
'In extreme cases they will inform the police and land managers who may pursue legal action if laws are being broken such as damage to property or reckless fire starting. When Access Rangers encounter such incidents and those responsible are no longer present we aim to do what we can to clear the site and repair any damage caused.
Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans added: 'We are pleased to be able to provide a seasonal rangers service this year and so far, the team have been welcomed by visitors and locals alike, with a friendly approach to encouraging responsible behaviour.
'The Council recognise the importance of supporting communities to manage the increase in visitors across the area, particularly along the NC500, Skye, Lochaber, Wester Ross and Loch Ness. A key role for the rangers will be engaging with the public and raising awareness of the Outdoor Access Code and communicating to people that as individuals we all play an important role in ensuring that Highland's beautiful outdoor spaces are protected for all to enjoy for future generations.'
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