Local residents living close to a Scots beauty spot were left furious this week after wild campers ruined the area with rubbish and abandoned their equipment.
Edinburgh Live reports that the group responsible for the mess had set up camp on woodland in Penicuik, Midlothian at the weekend, and appeared to have abandoned the gear and left their litter behind. Images taken by local resident John Griffin showed three full tents still set up in the clearing, as well as blankets, sleeping bags and other accessories.
Outside the tents, the ground had been covered in plastic bags, with food and drink wrappers left lying around the campsite. In an effort to keep the area clean, John had filled four large bags with the group's rubbish, with others coming to collect the abandoned tents the following day.
Clearing up most of the litter himself, John had said he assumed that the mess had been dumped by "young people doing a bit of wild camping". He added that be believed they had "absolutely no respect for the countryside or the people that enjoy these lovely walks."
The warmer weather has encouraged more Scots to get out and enjoy the sunshine - though not always with care and consideration for the environment and others. Earlier this month the Record reported on National Trust Scotland bosses' fury after workers found a tent, a portable toilet and an air mattress abandoned near Glencoe.
Workers spent half a day tidying the site after it had been abandoned by inconsiderate campers. In Midlothian, local area monitors from the Pentland Hills Rangers issued a plea earlier this month for people to be mindful when enjoying the great outdoors.
Speaking on social media, they said: "We are grateful to have lots of Rangers this summer. They were not primarily employed to pick up rubbish and put fires out: they are meant to be engaging with people to prevent this happening in the first place.
"However, they can't catch everyone, all the time, so much of their time is spent dealing with the aftermath of irresponsible gatherings. Thank you to all the responsible access-takers who love these hills, pick up litter, and report unattended fires to Scottish Fire and Rescue (999) and then ourselves (07798 505301).
"There are so many unsung heroes: know that we appreciate you."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here.
