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Police Scotland officers in Lochaber become latest Highland group to appeal for visitors to park responsibly and not to litter; appeal comes after recent incidents across the region sparked other community appeals, including in Torridon in Wester Ross, and the Cairngorm National Park


By Philip Murray

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Police Scotland news.
Police Scotland news.

VISITORS heading for some of the Highlands' most beautiful beaches have been urged to "be mindful of the local community and the rules of outdoor access" following recent complaints to the police.

Police Scotland officers have issued the plea ahead of this weekend, when fine weather and rising temperatures are expected to see people flock to the great outdoors.

In recent weeks police have received a number of complaints about anti-social behaviour, including people who are camping irresponsibly and indiscriminate parking that has led to roads being obstructed.

The new police plea was aimed specifically at people planning on heading for the famous Lochaber beaches in Morar and Arisaig – but there have been issues reported with irresponsible parking and camp litter in communities across much of the Highlands in recent weeks.

Just last weekend, Torridon and Kinlochewe Community Council in Wester Ross took to social media to complain about motorists causing road chaos by parking in passing places.

And Cairngorms National Park CEO Grant Moir has also been on Twitter in recent weeks to urge more responsible behaviour during the pandemic after seeing packed scenes at the likes of Loch Morlich – as well as incidents of antisocial littering.

Commenting during today's police plea, Inspector Isla Campbell urged people to "have a Plan B" for where they will park if they find their intended destination is unavailable.

Advising people to park responsibly, she added: “We do not want to spoil people’s fun and so we urge the public to be responsible and park safely.

“People camping are also encouraged to be responsible and be aware of outdoor access codes. Did you know that pulling branches from trees for firewood are criminal acts?

“My officers will be engaging with visitors and explaining community concerns, as well as reminding drivers of the dangers of morning after drink driving following a camping trip."

She also warned that police will be on patrol in known problem spots – like the B8008 Arisaig to Morar road – in order to ensure that routes are not obstructed. She stressed: "Any vehicle causing an obstruction will be removed, with owners being liable for the cost of this as well as a fine."

Highland Councillor Denis Rixson has echoed those sentiments. He said: “We want visitors to come and share our beautiful environment. But Covid-19 had made this year particularly challenging for all of us. Please park sensibly and leave nothing but your footprints. After your trip we want you to depart with warm memories and return again in the future”.

Earlier this week, Torridon and Kinlochewe Community Council, in Wester Ross, also made a plea to park responsibly after good weather saw people flock to the hills.

Speaking at the time, they said: "Yesterday local car parks were full and overflowing with a number of vehicles parking along the road as seen by Coire mhic nobuill.

"[There were] reports of drivers on the Torridon to Alligin road having to reverse hundreds of metres when meeting oncoming traffic as multiple passing places were filled with parked cars.

"A plea to park carefully and avoid blocking passing places."

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