Mattress and sink among rubbish dumped at Perthshire beauty spots

A mattress and a sink are among litter that has been dumped at Perthshire beauty spots in recent months.

Perth and Kinross rangers have filled almost 600 bags with litter dumped since the start of June.

Over 100 bags were collected just last weekend during patrols of the scenic countryside.

Perth and Kinross Council is urging everyone to “leave no trace” and take their rubbish home or they could face a hefty £500 fixed penalty notice.

The local authority has been sorting through the rubbish for recycling and litter louts have been warned any evidence found that points to who they are, could see them pay the price.

A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: “Since the beginning of June, our dedicated rangers have picked up nearly 600 bags of rubbish from our beautiful outdoor spots. Remember, if we find evidence of who the litter belongs to, £500 fixed penalty notices will be issued.

“When camping, please ensure you leave no trace. Take your rubbish home or dispose of it properly in nearby bins. If the bins are full, do not leave items next to them.

“This past weekend alone, visitor rangers collected over 100 bags of rubbish during their patrols, with 20 of those bags sorted for recycling.

“Let’s all do our part to keep our beauty spots in their natural state when enjoying the outdoors.”

But it is not just visitor rangers who have been picking up rubbish dumped in picturesque Perthshire.

Since the start of the year Almond and Earn ward councillor Frank Smith has filled over 100 bags with rubbish dumped at roadside in his area.

He has found everything from a mattress to the proverbial kitchen sink dumped by “irresponsible” members of the public.

The Conservative councillor is particularly concerned about a lay-by on the outskirts of Perth, just as you approach Lochty from the West.

He said: “The rubbish bin in situ could be viewed as adequate for the size of the location – i.e. the layby – however this bin is not only being used by such people; it is being used by others dumping their rubbish, often seeing bin bags filled with rubbish either overflowing from said bin and at times at the side of the bin.

“Also to give you examples beyond bags of rubbish, I have also noticed discarded household items such as a mattress, sink, sideboard.

He added: “This is an issue beyond that which the council can tackle. This is evidently irresponsible behaviour from those people not prepared to make a short journey to the recycle facility.”

Perth and Kinross Council leader Councillor Grant Laing finds it “extremely disappointing” when people leave rubbish behind.

The SNP leader said: “Perth and Kinross is a wonderful place to visit and we welcome thousands of tourists from home and abroad each year.

“The vast majority of those behave responsibly and our visitor rangers do a fantastic job of engaging with those in rural areas, whether they have come for the day or are camping for longer, to remind them of their responsibilities.

“It is extremely disappointing when people leave their rubbish behind and we will be issuing those responsible Fixed Penalty Notices where possible.

“We want everyone who comes here to have a safe and enjoyable visit to Perth and Kinross and for campers to leave the places they visit in exactly the same condition they found them.”