Easter Ross scenic route 'ruined' by fly-tipping
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A member of the public is seeking answers after a country road recognised as a "scenic route" in Easter Ross has been left "ruined" by fly-tipping.
On April 21, two large and unsightly piles of rubbish containing remnants of several household items and a trailer, were discovered at the side of the road, situated where the Struie (B9176) crosses the Strathy Burn.
Passer-by Jerry Hockett stopped to take photographs of the mess, and noted that he had contacted the local authority about the matter – stressing his concern as the road is signposted as a "scenic route".
But the council have dismissed his enquiry, stating that they do not remove items from private land.
Mr Hockett also said that environmental agency SEPA have claimed that removing the rubbish does not fall within their remit.
He said: "The road is signposted as 'scenic route', but it has been ruined by fly-tipping. I have contacted the Highland Council who have denied responsibility as it is on private land. However, there is no gate or sign which indicates this. The only gate is situated approx 200 metres along the track and has a Pat Munro sign on it as there is a quarry beyond the gate.
"I also contacted SEPA who say that it does not fall within their remit but no explanation was given. Clearly they are not protecting the environment with this attitude.
"We first noticed the tipping nearest to the road at the beginning of March and travel that route when going south to Dingwall (usually once a week). Last week we went further up the track as far as the gate to see if there was any indication of who owns the area. This revealed more rubbish – eight further separate piles.
"It concerns me that no-one knows what is in the rubbish, it includes fridges and is very close to the water's edge and someone may be tempted to set fire to it which could be a disaster for the local flora and fauna."
A Highland Council spokesperson said: “Fly-tipping is illegal dumping of waste and can be reported to the council 24/7 using the online forms at www.highland.gov.uk/report.
“We can issue fines from £200 to £20,000 or the offender can receive 6 months in prison (up to 5 years if hazardous waste is dumped).
“We do not remove items from private land.”
SEPA have been contacted by the Ross-shire Journal for comment.
