Shocking pictures of vandalism at a Lothian reservoir have surfaced with bags of rubbish left at the idyllic nature spot.
Officials from Scottish Water took to social media on August 19 to complain about the state that some visitors had left Gladhouse Reservoir in Midlothian. The reservoir is a popular walking spot among locals with the islands providing nesting for Ospreys.
However, images of the damage left by visitors shows bags of rubbish and burnt grass as Scottish Water South East ask walkers to not “spoil it for those who respect this beautiful place.”
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The images show nearly 20 bin bags of rubbish piled up next to the reservoir as workers clean up the mess left behind. Included among the refuse were empty packets from supermarkets and even an abandoned tent.
As well as detritus left by locals, the images also show the damage left behind by an improperly kept fire. The pictures posted to social media show that a personal bonfire had been left to expand out of control, leaving a huge patch of burned grass at the reservoir and causing damage to some trees.
As well as being a popular walking destination, the Gladhouse Reservoir is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the wintering Pink Footed Geese population. SSSI status is reserved for “nationally important natural areas”, according to the Scottish Government.
Scottish Water tweeted: “Images from last weekend at Gladhouse Reservoir. Burning fires, damaged trees and a mountain of rubbish left behind. Please do not come and spoil it for those who respect this beautiful place.
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