NFU Scotland have partnered with Scotland’s leading outdoor equipment and clothing retailer Tiso and Scottish Chef, BBC presenter and Tiso Ambassador Nick Nairn, to highlight the ever-growing issue of abuse of Scottish scenic spots, farmlands and outdoor spaces by uneducated wild campers who have descended on Scotland during lockdown.
With the summer holidays fast approaching, and many people choosing staycations, the message has never been so important. To assist in spreading the message of responsibility, Tiso together with Nick Nairn have produced a 2.45min video to highlight the growing issue, and also remind people how to camp responsibly and to refer to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code if in any doubt.
NFU Scotland President, Martin Kennedy, said: “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.”
Tiso CEO, Chris Tiso, said: “Three generations of our family have enjoyed wild camping in Scotland. Tiso 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.”
Nick Nairn reiterated the point further: “I have enjoyed the solitude of wild camping for 20 years, 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”.
