Residents around Loch of Clunie near Blairgowrie face rising fires, littering and safety concerns as an influx of tourists after warm weather rekindles disturbances seen during the pandemic. Community groups and local authorities are joining forces to curb the impact and promote responsible tourism.
Perthshire residents are grappling with an unsettling reality as the charm of the Loch of Clunie is increasingly overshadowed by the challenges posed by a surge in tourism. Following a recent stretch of warm weather, visitors have flocked to this picturesque location near Blairgowrie, reviving issues that had reached a boiling point during the Covid pandemic. The community is now facing a resurgence of antisocial behaviour that threatens to undermine the very essence of this tranquil spot.
Reports from locals describe a disturbing pattern of fires, loud parties, littering, dangerous parking, and even the emergence of unauthorised campsites. Residents have voiced their fears during public meetings, stating that they often feel too intimidated to venture outside during peak times. Alarmingly, among these complaints are tales of trespassers, intimidating groups of drunk individuals, thefts, and a serious incident where an estate worker was stabbed after confronting rowdy visitors. Over a recent five-week period, dedicated litter pickers collected an astounding 354 bags of rubbish, highlighting the environmental toll this influx of visitors is exacting on the area.
Janice Willsher of the Loch of Clunie Preservation Group encapsulated the community’s frustration, stating, “People are pretty fed up, to be honest.” She noted, however, that the majority of visitors are respectful and do not contribute to these problems. The preservation group, which formed during a public meeting in June 2020 amid rising crime fears, has evolved from a small steering committee into a registered charity dedicated to safeguarding the loch. They have succeeded in implementing measures such as providing portable toilets, increasing waste disposal options, and erecting educational signs to promote responsible use of the area.
Despite the challenges, the Perth and Kinross Council has reassured residents that support is still available. While the seasonal visitor ranger programme is undergoing a reorganisation, local authorities have committed to maintaining a presence through their Community Support and Enforcement Service. This new arrangement aims to ensure that the previously established initiatives continue while integrating feedback from community members. Some resident concerns stem from the fear that the reduction in visitor rangers could lead to escalating issues, but council officials are exploring collaborations with local police and fire services to reinforce community safety.
In proactive response to the increasing visitor pressure, community members have banded together to initiate their own efforts. Volunteers from the Loch of Clunie Preservation Group are conducting patrols to identify and mitigate hazards such as discarded barbecues and fishing lines. They have established a busy WhatsApp group to document concerns and relay them to the appropriate authorities, embodying a communal spirit of resilience and determination to preserve the loch’s beauty.
Amidst these challenges, the residents still welcome visitors, as noted by local Theresa Crichton, who stated, “It’s not that we don’t want people to come; we just need to deal with the ones who abuse it and spoil it for everyone else.” This call for responsible tourism shaped by community-acted initiatives echoes existing campaigns such as ‘Love it Like You Live Here’, launched by Perth and Kinross Council in collaboration with various agencies. This initiative aims to encourage visitors to respect the environment and adhere to regulations designed to protect these natural treasures.
Simultaneously, the council is investing significant resources into managing the impacts of an increasing tourist demographic. This includes measures like creating new car parking spaces at Loch Clunie, stringent enforcement of parking and littering regulations, and the introduction of clearways to facilitate access for emergency services. In the face of these ongoing challenges, there is a growing recognition that a comprehensive review of Scotland’s access laws may be necessary. Local councillors have urged NatureScot to reassess the Scottish Outdoor Access Code—enshrined for nearly two decades—to ensure that it effectively addresses contemporary issues, thereby safeguarding the beauty spots that attract such enthusiasm and visitation.
As residents remain vigilant and responsive to these challenges, the message is clear: preserving the natural allure of Loch of Clunie requires a joint effort between responsible visitors and dedicated locals. The spirit of cooperation embodies a hopeful path forward, where the loch’s tranquillity is restored and sustained for future generations.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/5251060/loch-of-clunie-visitor-problems/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/perth-kinross/1468187/three-charged-with-vandalism-as-police-scotland-gets-tough-on-wild-campers-in-perthshire/ – Three men were charged with vandalism after chopping down trees for firewood at Clunie Loch, near Blairgowrie, as part of a crackdown on irresponsible visitors. Police Scotland warned that vehicles blocking access could be fined or towed, and that littering or dumping materials may also incur penalties. The majority of campers were behaving responsibly, but the crackdown aimed to address issues like antisocial behaviour and littering. The Perth and Kinross Council, along with police and fire chiefs, implemented measures to discourage bad parking and stamp out antisocial behaviour and littering.
- https://www.safercommunitiesscotland.org/case-study-clunie-loch-perth-kinross/ – The Perth and Kinross Community Safety team coordinated resources to tackle issues at Clunie Loch, a popular spot for campers, picnickers, swimmers, and paddleboarders. Between 2018 and 2020, residents noticed a significant rise in visitors and deteriorating behaviour, especially after lockdown regulations eased. The negative impact on the quality of life, environment, and visitor experience was evident. In 2020, the Community Safety Team began coordinating resources to address these issues across Highland Perthshire, involving various agencies and community groups. The activity was reactive rather than proactive and unsustainable, leading to a focus on working with communities to ensure no repeat in the new season.
- https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/perth-kinross/1440317/police-called-to-beauty-spot-near-blairgowrie-amid-wild-camping-fears/ – Police were called to Clunie Loch, near Blairgowrie, amid concerns that visitors were starting fires, damaging the site, and blocking access to emergency vehicles. Wild campers are generally accepted at the remote site, but there are strict rules about overnight parking and campfires. Police stepped up patrols after an estate worker was allegedly stabbed when he confronted a group of visitors. Officers were called back after residents raised concerns about overcrowding and congested roads. Locals reported about 20 tents along the east side of the water. Some visitors were allowed to stay overnight after informing officers they had been drinking, but were told to leave once sober.
- https://perthandkinrossvisitoradvice.commonplace.is/en-GB/news/wild-camping-management – Perth and Kinross Council, along with Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue, and Forestry and Land Scotland, implemented measures to deter irresponsible camping and promote responsible tourism. The ‘Love it Like You Live Here’ campaign urged visitors not to spoil beauty spots for others. Clearways were introduced on roads around beauty spots, with fines or vehicle towing for those who ignored them. A new car parking area was created at Loch Clunie. A pilot project at Loch Tummel and Loch Rannoch aimed to tackle unsanitary issues by issuing ‘Dig It Kits’ to encourage responsible disposal of human waste. The council invested £250,000 to fund seven Visitor Ranger posts over the summer months to provide advice to tourists and campers.
- https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/perth-kinross/3586855/access-laws-camping-perthshire/ – Perth and Kinross councillors called for the Scottish Government to re-evaluate access laws to protect rural beauty spots. A motion was put forward for NatureScot to conduct an urgent review of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC), which outlines regulations for enjoying the outdoors in Scotland. The code, alongside the Land Reform Act (Scotland) 2003, has remained largely unchanged for almost 20 years. Councillors Ian James and John Duff argued that the code should better reflect modern-day issues and ensure rules can be enforced by local councils, following an increase in irresponsible camping in rural Perthshire.
- https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/perth-kinross/5218120/perthshire-visitor-rangers-rumours-dismissed/ – Perth and Kinross Council clarified that the Visitor Management service, including visitor rangers, would continue despite rumors of cuts. The service is being integrated into a new team that includes parking and community safety wardens, allowing for fully trained officers to conduct rural patrols and engage with communities. The council is also exploring options to continue providing portable toilets at hotspots. The Visitor Management service was launched in 2021 to address issues like dirty camping and problem parking, and the council emphasized its commitment to managing the impact of visitors and providing support to those visiting the area.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative presents recent developments concerning increased tourism and associated challenges at Loch of Clunie. While similar issues have been reported in the past, such as in 2020, the current report includes updated data and quotes, indicating a higher freshness score. However, the presence of recycled material from previous reports suggests a need for caution. The report appears to be based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. Nonetheless, the inclusion of older material with updated data may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. ([scotsman.com](https://www.scotsman.com/news/crime/appeal-for-help-as-lockdown-easing-sparks-violence-and-littering-in-scottish-countryside-2875225?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The quotes attributed to local residents and officials, such as Janice Willsher of the Loch of Clunie Preservation Group and Theresa Crichton, do not appear in earlier material, suggesting potential originality or exclusivity. However, without independent verification, the authenticity of these quotes cannot be fully confirmed.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Courier, a regional newspaper in Scotland. While it is a known publication, its regional focus may limit the breadth of its coverage. The report includes statements from local residents and officials, but without independent verification, the reliability of these sources cannot be fully confirmed.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative describes plausible events, such as increased tourism leading to antisocial behaviour at Loch of Clunie. Similar issues have been reported in the past, indicating consistency with known patterns. However, the lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets and the absence of specific factual anchors, such as exact dates and names, reduce the score. The tone and language used are consistent with regional reporting, and the structure does not include excessive or off-topic detail.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents recent developments concerning increased tourism and associated challenges at Loch of Clunie. While the report includes updated data and quotes, the presence of recycled material from previous reports and the lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets raise concerns. The authenticity of the quotes cannot be fully confirmed, and the reliability of the sources is uncertain. Therefore, the overall assessment is ‘OPEN’ with a medium confidence level.
