Fly-tipping creating biohazard in Glen Carron
Forestry and Land Scotland is asking for public help in bringing fly tippers to book after several loads of rubbish – and seven animal carcasses – were dumped at a Highland beauty spot.
The fly-tippers struck at Craig, near Achnaschellach, despoiling a beautiful stretch of the route through Glen Carron that is popular with tourists and hill walkers looking to access the neighbouring Munros.
FLS’ Area Visitor Services Manager, Chris Cartwright, said:
“This is a really spectacular part of the country with some scenery that visitors and tourists will see as being Scotland at its best and the people who live and work here respect the landscape and their neighbours.
“Regrettably, there are some inconsiderate people who clearly don’t care and are prepared to spoil the area by using it as a dumping ground.
“We are having to waste time and resources clearing the mess left behind, and The Highland Council is also having to use resource removing it. These are resources that are being diverted from other areas, which obviously then don’t see the benefit of them. The impact of fly-tipping is far more wide-reaching than just the site where the rubbish is left.”
As well as tyres, ovens, fridges and other waste, FLS’ staff have found seven sheep carcasses in various stages of decomposition.
Chris added;
“There are official services for the removal of dead livestock and there is no excuse for dumping dead animals. There are no visible tags that we could see – obviously removed to prevent identification of the owner – so this was a deliberate act.
“It is not only against the law and regulations it is a biohazard that is hugely unpleasant for the community and for visitors to encounter and that could give rise to far more serious issues if, for example, water courses were to be contaminated.
“Police Scotland have been made aware.
“We would urge anyone who spots any unusual activity to notify ourselves, or to notify Police Scotland by phoning 101. Do not confront anyone fly-tipping or place yourself at risk but passing on any details that might help identify those responsible would be a great help in stopping this vandalism.”
Notes to editors
- Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
- Media enquiries to media@forestryandland.gov.scot