Council issues a warning over littering and barbecue use
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The recent easing of the lockdown gave rise to a number of issues which Aberdeenshire Council has said that it is keen to avoid in the weeks and months to come.
Residents and visitors alike were quick to enjoy some of the hottest weather of the year as the Scottish Government relaxed the Covid-19 restrictions slightly last week.
Following government guidance, Aberdeenshire Council stressed it had no plans to re-open toilet facilities at any of its parks or attractions and warned against any travel in excess of the recommended five miles.
While the vast majority behaved in a responsible manner while visiting a number of country parks and popular woodland and coastal areas, some demonstrated a blatant disregard for physical-distancing and the safety of both others and the environment.
Among the main issues reported by Aberdeenshire Council’s Ranger Service during their patrols across the region was the use and unsafe disposal of barbecues at many locations.
Following engagement with the Rangers regarding the current high fire risk owing to the prolonged dry spell, many either agreed not to light their barbecue or discussed how to safely extinguish those which were already lit.
However, there were reports of smouldering barbecues being dumped which posed a real threat to the surrounding area and other visitors.
Rangers were also left disappointed by the unacceptable levels of litter and rubbish - including dog waste - being left beside full and overflowing bins at many sites, most notably at Balmedie Country Park and the Bennachie Visitor Centre.
Philip McKay, head of Roads, Landscape and Waste Services, said: “We have, sadly, seen an increase in rubbish left by people taking advantage of the glorious weather and the very slight easing in lockdown restrictions.
“Keeping Aberdeenshire litter free requires us all to work together and whether you are using our parks, countryside or our beaches during the pandemic or not, the message remains the same: please take your litter home with you.
“We have been carefully monitoring the frequency of emptying litter bins and dog bins in line with their use - some have been getting emptied more often while others less so.
“So, if a bin is full please don’t leave rubbish next to it, just take it home and dispose of it in your household waste.”
In terms of the roads network, the Ranger Service reported that the main issues occurred due to car parks not being open at Forestry and Land Scotland sites such as the Bin Forest, Back o’ Bennachie and the Bennachie Visitor Centre.
Officers from Police Scotland patrolled the Bennachie car parks and issued advisory leaflets to raise awareness of both the dangers and inconvenience of parking across car-park entrances, farm access points and private verges and land.
The Ranger Service will resume their patrols again this weekend from Friday to Sunday and hopes there will be no repeat of the activities and incidents witnessed last week.
A spokesman for the Bailies of Bennachie reiterated: "By parking in front of the closed barriers at the Bennachie Centre you are obstructing emergency access, by parking on the verges you are causing problems and stress for the local residents, we realise this is a very frustrating situation for everyone but we ask that you will please abide by the Scottish Government rules and also think of others before parking.
Meanwhile the message is simple:
• If you are intending to visit our beautiful countryside and coast - Be Responsible.
• Don’t park on verges around closed or full car parks as this can be dangerous.
• Plan ahead - if your chosen destination feels too busy, be prepared to alter your plans and enjoy a visit to another local destination.
• Remember – council toilets, visitor centres and many car parks remain closed.
• Take extra care to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, especially on farmland, and abide by the latest guidance, including on hygiene and physical distancing.
• Support our NHS, emergency services and rescue teams during this challenging time by avoiding riskier outings.
