Forestry and Land Scotland call on public to report anti-social behaviour after unruly Glenmore campers cause damage and intimidate staff and visitors
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ANTI-SOCIAL campers took an axe to trees, kicked ducks and intimidated staff and visitors near Aviemore last weekend, it has emerged.
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has called for greater public support in dealing with anti-social behaviour after a small group of young males camping at Glenmore caused damage at the site on Saturday, June 26.
FLS said the group behaved aggressively towards staff and in a way that made other members of the public feel unsafe.
It received complaints from distressed visitors about the group kicking ducks, collecting deadwood from the environmentally designated areas, using an axe on trees, and washing in the loch, which is also designated for environmental protection.
They also received complaints about the group's noise, litter, and camp fire which was lit on peaty ground.
Police were called to deal with their behaviour but the group simply moved on a short distance and continued to cause a nuisance at the beauty spot.
Laura McNally, FLS area visitor services manager, said: "Situations such as this can be very intimidating for our staff and I have to commend our Glenmore team for dealing with this so professionally over the course of three days.
"We engaged with the group of young men on Saturday to explain why they had to move their camp and to clarify appropriate behaviours – but this fell on deaf ears and was met with abuse. Further engagement met with the same response.
"Police Scotland did attend and the group seemed to comply but simply moved their camp. We’ve also seen other groups put on a show of good behaviour when they have to and we continue to work closely with our local police partners to learn lessons from this event.
"Anti-social behaviour by a small group can spoil a visit for everyone else. This is the case no matter where it occurs. Our rangers will do what they can to manage a situation but public support is vital, especially if the rangers aren’t in the area at the time.
"We would encourage members of the public to call Police Scotland on 101 or use the online form."
