Latest news with #OutdoorAccessCode
STV News
13-06-2025
- STV News
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.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Euronews
11-06-2025
- Euronews
Thousands of visitors pledge good behaviour on Scotland's iconic NC500
Around 3,000 visitors have added their signatures to a new pledge calling for more responsible tourism along the route of one of Scotland's most famous road trips. The NC500 is roughly 830 kilometres long, a round route beginning and ending in the city of Inverness and weaving through some of the Highlands' most suggestive landscapes. The pledge, set up by the North Coast 500 Ltd company last October, was designed to encourage responsible and environmentally conscious tourism throughout the Scottish Highlands. It hopes to address the complex challenges that tourism brings to local communities, especially along the popular coastal route. The pledge covers several key commitments visitors are asked to embrace during their Highland experience. These include responsible waste management through proper disposal methods, using only designated parking facilities for both daytime visits and overnight stays, and supporting the local economy by choosing regional businesses over chain alternatives. Additionally, tourists are encouraged to follow Scotland's Outdoor Access Code, maintain appropriate noise levels to respect local residents, and observe all traffic regulations, including speed limits and road signage. Driving behaviour receives particular emphasis, with visitors urged to exercise caution and courtesy, especially when navigating the challenging single-track roads that characterise much of the NC500 route. It comes after ongoing concerns about road safety and traffic management in the region due to the tourists making the famous journey. Almost all the signatories of the pledge have also participated in 'extra mile' tasks. So far, 13 per cent have taken part in beach cleans, 12 per cent donated to local food banks or charities, 91 per cent bought from local businesses, and 83 per cent shared responsible tourism advice either in person or on social media. The pledge was developed through consultation with both residents and business owners along the route. Guidelines were created that address real community concerns while remaining practical for visitors to follow. David Richardson, development manager for North Coast 500 Ltd, emphasised the positive response from tourists, noting their genuine desire to contribute positively to the destination. 'It's been really encouraging to see just how many people want to do the right thing. The pledge isn't about rules or restrictions - it's about giving people the opportunity to understand the place they're visiting and how they can help look after it,' he said. "The pledge helps to start those conversations and encourage more conscious choices, which is a step in the right direction for everyone.' The pledge is supported by a digital platform providing educational resources to help visitors understand how to explore the Highlands responsibly. It is part of the broader goal of fostering informed decision-making among tourists. While the North Coast 500 route, established over ten years ago, has brought significant economic benefits to regional businesses, it has also seen growing concerns among Highland residents about traffic safety and antisocial behaviour. The visitor pledge represents an attempt to preserve the route's economic advantages while mitigating its negative impacts on local communities.
Scottish Sun
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
New NC500 rangers deployed to crack down on illegal tourist behaviour that's hated by locals
There are currently 16 Access Rangers on patrol RANGER RESPONSE New NC500 rangers deployed to crack down on illegal tourist behaviour that's hated by locals A SMALL army of council rangers has started patrolling the North Coast 500 road trip route and other areas of the Highlands to crack down on illegal tourist behaviour. Irresponsible camping and a ban on fires in many areas are a top priority this year. Advertisement 3 Council rangers have started patrolling the NC500 route in a bid to crack down on illegal tourist behaviour Credit: Alamy 3 Campers have been leaving piles of human waste, dirty toilet paper, and heaps of rubbish along the route Credit: Facebook 3 And motorhome users have been blasted for causing congestion on narrow roads and dangerous driving Credit: Alamy The weekend saw the first patrols of The Highland Council's new Seasonal Access Ranger team. The new rangers will seek to promote and advise on responsible access to the countryside through the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The team is funded directly by The Highland Council. There are currently 16 Access Rangers on patrol with two more to join in mid-June, focusing on the long-distance routes. Advertisement Five of the rangers are highly experienced, having returned after previous seasons, and can help guide new rangers into their roles. Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "The Council 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 the Highlands' beautiful outdoor spaces are protected for all to enjoy for future generations.' Advertisement Rangers will also ensure awareness of other relevant legislation, such as parking and environmental health regulations. They will monitor use and report incidents to the relevant council teams or emergency services. The North Coast 500: Scotland's Must-Visit Road Trip Beats the Grand Canyon The rangers will also carry out duties to keep tidy, maintain and manage council-owned sites, core paths and work with communities and land managers on other sites to protect habitats and encourage respect for the landscape. Where possible, the rangers will work with local volunteers to engage with visitors. Advertisement The council added: 'This year, responsible camping will be a key priority, and, in many locations, this will mean a 'no fires' message. There is a significant fire risk throughout the Highlands in the summer months and lighting campfires on peaty ground, woodland, grassland, or moors is dangerous and contrary to the Code. 'It is irresponsible to light fires close to buildings, historic monuments and within 30m of a public road. Even small fires cause significant damage to our natural environment from scorch marks to tree removal and the use of dead wood - housing insects - for fires. Much of this damage can take years to recover.'
