By Richard Burdge

TREASURE SEEKERS hoping to hit a rich seam of gold in the Perthshire hills have been warned they may fall foul of the law.

One of the largest nuggets ever found in Scotland came from Glen Quaich and now a growing band of gold panners are hoping to strike it lucky in Highland Perthshire, prompting threats of legal action from the council.

“Perth and Kinross Council would like to clarify its position with regard to gold panning taking place at the Birks of Aberfeldy, which the council owns, in the light of recent Press coverage of this activity,” said a council spokesperson.

“Perth and Kinross Council is aware that illegal gold panning takes place in the Birks of Aberfeldy.

“The council owns the section of the Urlar/Moness Burn that passes through its ownership at the Birks of Aberfeldy. However, we do not possess mineral rights for the land in our ownership. Therefore we are not in a position to grant permission for gold panning there.

“The council has clarified this position with the Crown Mineral Agent, who regulates the Crown’s interest in the exploitation of minerals, and he has confirmed that the Crown has not given permission to the public to prospect for gold at the Birks of Aberfeldy.

“Furthermore, the Birks of Aberfeldy has been declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest by Scottish Natural Heritage.

“The council is prevented by this designation from modifying or dredging the bottom of the burn or extracting minerals from it,” continued the spokesperson.

“In the recent Press coverage relating to gold panning, criticism was made of an instance where a hole was dug in the bed of the burn at the Birks and not filled back in.

“The council would stress that any disturbance of the burn is unacceptable and that excavations in themselves are unacceptable. In our experience most of the prospecting has been damaging to the riverbed.

“On this basis we would respectfully request that the public do not prospect for gold in the Birks of Aberfeldy.

“Tayside Police are aware of this ongoing issue and will be called upon to resolve any problems if required.

“The council will also consider legal action against individuals who persist in their activities.”