The police hunt for a mysterious naked man seen wandering in the Ochil Hills has been branded “a hysterical over-reaction”.
Following The Courier’s coverage of the man’s “back to nature” treks, a number of readers have backed his right to roam clothed or unclothed.
Reported sightings of the hardy walker, particularly around Drumyat peak, have aroused the interest of Police Scotland, who are appealing for witnesses to contact them.
“Police in Forth Valley can confirm they are investigating and would urge anyone who can assist with our inquiries to come forward,” they said.
“In addition, we are keen to trace this male and ask that he get in touch with police to discuss the full circumstances surrounding this matter.”
Rather than provoking outrage, the investigation into the exploits of the hill walker seem to have elicited sympathy, with few condemning his actions.
“Leave the guy alone he’s just out for a pleasant walk enjoying nature naturally,” read one post on our website.
“Go and arrest the people committing real crimes in the towns and cities and leave this man who’s not harming anyone.”
Another claimed that “walking naked in the countryside is as innocent as it gets”.
“Being at one with nature feels lovely and I assume this guy is just exercising his right to enjoy that freedom in a remote beautiful place,” he continued. “Live and let live.”
Garth McGlasson also stood up for the man of the hills, saying: “You’d think the constabulary would use their resources to go after actual criminals instead of someone who loves enjoying nature au naturel.”
Another post called for police to divert their resources away from the investigation.
“The hysterical over-reaction by the authorities to nudity has been a human rights farce for years, and it is getting worse,” it read.
A lone voice on The Courier website expressed concern about the man’s activities.
“It might be all and well for some folk to come across this naked hiker, but I for one would not like to be confronted by him if I was out for a walk with my children or I suppose would any single female enjoy coming across this sort of activity,” they wrote.
“If you must walk around naked find a place that is completely secluded, where there would be very little chance of encountering innocent members of the public.”