Local residents in Midlothian were left furious this week after campers ruined a local beauty spot with their rubbish.
Setting up camp, the group responsible had made their mark on the woodland in Penicuik, leaving almost everything they brought behind. Discovered on Saturday (August 20), what is usually a peaceful walk near Carlops Road was strewn with rubbish, with the campers showing no sign of returning to clear up their mess.
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.
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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," adding: "Unfortunately with absolutely no respect for the countryside or the people that enjoy these lovely walks."
In an effort to keep the area clean, John had filled four large bags with the groups rubbish, with others coming to collect the abandoned tents the following day.
With warmer weather encouraging outdoor gatherings over the summer, many organisations, such as the Pentland Hills Rangers, issued warnings earlier this month for locals to be mindful when using the countryside.
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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."
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