A 57-year-old man was hospitalised following a serious assault at a Perthshire beauty spot on Sunday, sparking concerns about the influx of tourists to the area.
The victim was rushed to Ninewells in Dundee with a serious injury after the attack which occurred around 3.30am at Clunie Loch near Bairgowrie.
Local residents and politicians told The Courier that there had already been increased police activity at the loch in the hours leading up to the attack due to the heavy number of visitors to the area.
Mike Bell, a nearby resident, said: “There was people from all over the place. It was busier than any other summer day.
“Every single space was filled with a car, I think it was ridiculous.”
Local Strathtay SNP councillor, Grant Laing, said he wouldn’t be surprised if the two situations were linked.
Mr Laing said: “Police had been there over the weekend to move people away but some people couldn’t leave in their cars as they had been drinking.
“Something has erupted since then.
“It’s awful that (the attack) would happen at any time but there’s no excuse for it happening at this time because people shouldn’t be going camping.
“I wish the victim to get better. But I will also be waiting to see if the perpetrator comes within five miles of Clunie Loch.”
The SNP politician also called on his his fellow ward councillor Ian James to retract comments he made where the Conservative councillor supported the actions of Dominic Cumming.
Speaking in the Perthshire Advertiser, Mr James said: “The prime minister has already investigated this episode and has given his verdict. One which I fully support.”
Councillor Laing responded to the comments by saying : “People at Clunie Loch were using Dominic Cummings as an excuse.
“I think it was an absolutely stupid decision by Councillor James to try to defend Dominic Cummings actions.
“As a rural ward councillor how he can say that is beyond me.”
Police Scotland are appealing for witnesses following the Sunday morning attack.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We are appealing for information following a serious assault at Loch of Clunie, near Blairgowrie, around 3.30am on Sunday May 31.
“Anyone who can help with our investigation into what happened is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 0705 of 31/05/20.”
