If you’re plan to go wild camping this summer, there’s a great new video that offers guidelines, hints and tips on how to treat the countryside with respect, following growing issues of abuse of Scottish scenic spots.
NFU Scotland has partnered with outdoor equipment and clothing retailer Tiso and Scottish chef, TV presenter and Tiso ambassador, Nick Nairn, to highlight the issue to the public.
With many people choosing staycations this year the message has never been so important. So, Tiso and Nick have produced video to highlight the issue, and also remind people how to camp responsibly as well as referring to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code if in any doubt.
Tiso’s CEO Chris Tiso says: “Three generations of our family have enjoyed wild camping in Scotland and we are committed to promoting responsible practice and access within the outdoors.
“We are fortunate to have some of the most beautiful natural resources in the British Isles and we all have a personal responsibility to treat the outdoors with the respect it deserves. Avoiding fires, not leaving behind litter, and burying human waste seems obvious but the recent impact on some of the most popular areas in particular highlights the continued need for education and better understanding of good practice.
“The Scottish outdoor landscape and environment is unique but fragile – it is essential we work together to protect it for the enjoyment of all now and for future generations.”
As someone who has enjoyed the solitude of wild camping for 20 years, Nick Nairn reiterates the point further: “It is my moment of peace and waking up to a sunrise on the top of a Munro is one of my favourite moments in life.
“I am becoming increasingly concerned and indeed have witnessed first-hand where I live the behaviours of campers leaving buckets of dirty nappies, playing loud music, and littering. It is totally disrespectful to the people who live and work in the countryside.
“I am shocked as to the extent of this issue across Scotland and we need to tackle the issue head on which is why we have made this video.”
NFU Scotland’s president Martin Kennedy adds: “The Scottish countryside is a beautiful working environment where many people want to go and enjoy themselves. When wild camping, people want to do the right thing in terms of not distressing farm animals, damaging crops, dropping litter, and disturbing wildlife.
“This video encourages all wild campers, whether a newcomer or experienced, to have an enjoyable, safe and responsible time while respecting those living and working in the country.”
View the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEWD1h4ahcc
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