Groups of youngsters using a Perthshire beauty spot to “drink and party” are blighting the scenic area, according to locals.
Massive parties have been held in Dunning Glen with teenagers using marquees and generators and leaving a trail of destruction.
The problem has become so bad that the community council has been forced to turn to the local authority for help to clear up the mess. Tayside Police has also stepped up patrols.
Fossoway Community Council chairman Sandy Morrison said, “It seems that large groups of predominantly younger people come out here to drink and to party.
“They don’t clean up their mess. The area is littered with cans, bottles, tent poles and other waste.”
He added, “Litter is not the only problem trees and bushes are cut down for firewood. Several times fences or gates are used to burn as well, leaving livestock to escape and creating expensive damage.”
In one of the most serious incidents an abandoned car was set alight in the glen.
One landowner said, “We have nothing against the occasional wild camper, but for whole groups to come down the glen with generators and marquees, bringing large amounts of alcohol, is just outrageous.
“There is also a real risk of fires getting out of control. So far the summer has not been very dry but we worry when we have a dry period.”
Kevin Borthwick of the Devon Angling Association said watercourses are also under threat.
“This part of the river is very sensitive and needs to be protected. The Glendey Burn is the last spawning tributary for the native brown trout.
“It flows into the river Devon just above the bridge where all the camping problems are and anything upsetting the natural balance of the river in this area could have a negative effect on the brown trout population.”
Councillor Mike Barnacle said changes may be needed to access rights broadened by the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
“It has become clear that there are a number of issues relating to access to land and water that require to be re-examined in the light of experience, now that the act has been in force for some time.
“In particular, the issue of interpretation of what is meant by ‘wild camping’, when large groupings of people are involved and the need for adequate sanctions against those not taking access to private land and water in a responsible manner.
“I intend to work with the community in seeking that MSPs look again at the access legislation. It should not be necessary to require bye-laws to control such matters.”
Friends of the Ochils chairman and Muckhart Community Council secretary Stuart Dean said, “The Scottish Outdoor Access Code promotes responsible behaviour when enjoying the outdoors, but in reality there are few consequences when people behave in an irresponsible manner.
“Farmers and landowners have little redress and while most of them welcome walkers and campers in the Ochils, there needs to be effective ways to deal with the minority of people who keep littering and vandalising.”
Sergeant Sandra Williams of Tayside Police said, “We are aware of the ongoing issues in Dunning Glen and have been working closely with our community partners to provide solutions.
“We are increasing our presence in the area and any person or groups of people found to have committed a crime or offence will be charged and reported to the procurator fiscal.”