Wild campers in the Glen Affric area of Scotland have faced criticism for their actions after leaving significant devastation at a popular wildlife site. Rangers discovered the campsite abandoned, coupled with evidence of a large campfire, during a period marked by severe wildfire warnings, raising concerns among local authorities about the safety of the area.

Sandra Reid, a Visitor Services Ranger for Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), expressed her dismay upon witnessing the aftermath of the camping activity. Speaking to The Press and Journal (Aberdeen), Reid described the site as resembling a “disaster area.” She detailed the findings, revealing that the group left behind a substantial amount of litter, including 50 glass bottles, many of which were empty alcohol bottles, along with a wide array of camping gear, such as a tarpaulin awning.

Moreover, the situation escalated with reports that six trees were chopped down, presumably to serve as supports for the tarpaulin shelter, and possibly to fuel the campfire. Reid highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that “it is pure luck that things were not much worse,” given the existing warnings against starting campfires in such conditions.

This incident coincides with an extreme wildfire warning issued by fire chiefs for the weekend, as temperatures in the region are expected to soar to nearly 20 degrees Celsius. Firefighters have been on high alert, having addressed several serious incidents during the week. Notably, on Tuesday, fire crews worked tirelessly through the night to control a large fire in the Glendale area on the Isle of Skye, battling a fierce 150-metre wall of flames for over 16 hours. Similar fires had also sprung up north of Ullapool and near Mallaig.

In light of these events, the actions of the wild campers in Glen Affric have prompted renewed calls for adherence to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and local guidelines. Rangers continue to emphasise the importance of responsible behaviour when enjoying Scotland's natural landscapes, especially in the context of heightened fire risks.

Source: Noah Wire Services