This is the message from Argyll and Bute Council to visitors following a rise in campers and touring motorhomes to the area.
The increase in visitors from people choosing to staycation in the UK is a welcome boost for the local economy as it starts to heal from the effects of the pandemic. With more people choosing to camp or tour with motorhomes, the council has also seen an increase in some irresponsible behaviour at local beauty spots and car parks.
To address the rise in littering and toileting, new signage is being placed in popular visitor spots asking people to look after the place for others to enjoy and to leave only footprints. ‘Nobody likes a dirty camper’ aims to remind people of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and includes the Police Scotland number to contact to report antisocial behaviour.
Councillor Alastair Redman, Policy Lead for Economic Growth:
“The increase in visitors following lockdown is fantastic news for Argyll and Bute where so many of our communities depend on tourism. We have some of the most stunning scenery in the UK, indeed the world which is a natural draw for people and we want to welcome people back safely and responsibly.
The vast majority of visitors coming to the area enjoy their stay responsibly and have a fantastic time. Sadly, we have seen a rise in antisocial behaviour including littering and toileting from a minority who are in danger of spoiling it for others.
Our popular visitor spots are not only enjoyed by campers and tourers but they are the places where our local children play, dogs are walked or views are simply enjoyed. We are appealing to anyone using the sites to look after the place for others to enjoy. Please take your litter away with you or dispose of it in bins and avoid toileting near water or buildings.
By following a few simple steps, we can all continue to enjoy some of the best scenery the world has to offer, right here on our doorstep. “
For more information about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code visit https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/