A Kinross-shire community could consider a buyout of a beauty spot in a bid to combat vandalism and littering.
The actions of wild campers, party-goers and unthinking visitors have blighted the picturesque Dunning Glen in recent years.
Though a somewhat obscure destination, the area has become popular with youths from the west coast and central Scotland who visit to camp out at weekends.
With efforts having seemingly failed to address the issue, locals are considering alternative measures to protect the glen.
It was again on the agenda at the latest meeting of Fossoway and District Community Council, where a number of solutions were put forward.
Among them was one from local councillors Willie Robertson and Michael Barnacle, who suggested a meeting could be sought with landowners, council officials and interested community parties to investigate a possible purchase of the land.
Tonnes of litter have been removed from the site in recent years, with waterways fouled with rubbish and the woods scarred by campfires, barbecues, broken glass, refuse and discarded camping gear.
Locals have worked to protect the area by staging their own clean-ups, while in 2012 funding was even sought to have specialist contractors brought in. They removed a staggering 1.7 tonnes of refuse in just one visit.
Police have also been heavily involved in efforts to crack down on the littering, as part of a multi-agency effort to deal with matters including littering and irresponsible parking.
Such efforts have enjoyed some success, but the problem persists and is one that has proved hugely upsetting to residents.
Speaking to The Courier, Councillor Barnacle said he hopes a solution can be found to the enduring problem.
He believes landowners may be receptive to a community buyout, but said significant consideration needs to be given to the idea and any others before progress can be made.
“The idea was first put forward by Councillor Robertson and I think it could be very interesting,” he said.
“We will need to explore such an option alongside officers of the council and other local partners, as there is not a lot of point in doing this if we end up in the same boat as the landowners and are unable to prevent this from happening.
“Unfortunately, there has been something of a resurgence in the problem. It is there and it is not going to go away unless we can come up with a solution that everyone is on board with.
“It may be that we cannot do this but it is something that should be explored.”