“Stupid and selfish” sunseekers have been slammed for setting a campfire at the summit of a Perth beauty spot.
Revellers at St Magdalene’s Hill in Perth left the area strewn with broken glass and rubbish. An area of earth was also left scorched after day trippers lit a fire just feet away from tinder-dry gorse bushes.
The incident comes as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service placed the whole country under a wildfire warning until Friday — and just weeks after a campfire at Stanley beach blazed out of control.
The mess at the hill prompted the Dog Friendly Perthshire campaign group to issue a warning to people walking their pets in the area.
Local politicians have also condemned the culprits who started the fire.
Liberal Democrat councillor Willie Wilson, whose ward covers the hill, urged members of the public to report anti-social behaviour in the area.
He said: “I’m well aware of the issues and am extremely concerned about this stupid and selfish behaviour.
“I’m working with the environment service, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the police and community wardens to develop an action plan to tackle the situation.
“It would be extremely helpful as well if members of the public who notice any bad behaviour in the area could report it without delay.”
Dog Friendly Perthshire said: “Once again this beautiful spot has been ruined by selfish folk who can carry bags of booze up with them but can’t seem to take it away. There is broken glass everywhere.
“With the recent sun a campfire like this could easily start a fire in the gorse too.”
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Billy McLintock, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s group manager for Perthshire, said: “We want everyone to enjoy the warm weather and outdoors, but communities must be made aware there is a wildfire warning for the whole of Scotland this week.
“This means there is an enhanced risk to wildlife, livestock, farmland and woodland.
“Wildfire can be devastating to rural communities – we have seen that already this year with large incidents in Moray and other parts of the country.
“My advice would be to anyone camping, hillwalking, or going out and about this weekend, please ensure you follow all safety advice and bear in mind the present conditions.”
