Forestry workers have criticised “irresponsible” motorists after spending a whole day cleaning up litter dropped near a north-east beauty spot.
Staff from Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) – who were supposed to be planting trees – filled an entire truck with rubbish collected from the roadside.
Litter was dropped on Kirk Brae and Baillieswells Road at the edge of Foggieton and Countesswells woods in Aberdeen.
Drivers caught in the act could face a fixed penalty of £80, or a fine of up to £2,500 if convicted in court.
FCS forester Dan Cadle said: “We should be out doing more important work that help to maintain these woodlands and ensure that visitors get the best out of the visit.
“Instead our guys collected a truck load of rubbish from just a two kilometre (1.2 mile) stretch of Kirk Brae and Baillieswells roads in Aberdeen, all of it litter thrown out of people’s cars on the public roads.
“It is very inconsiderate and really disappointing to see people not respecting the countryside, or other people’s right to enjoy a litter free environment.”
Hazlehead, Ashley and Queen’s Cross ward councillor Martin Greig condemned the culprits as “very irresponsible”.
He said: “It is disappointing that people care so little for other people and for the environment.
“The valuable time of the Forestry Commission should be devoted to the good work of caring for the wellbeing of the trees and the other planting, it is so wasteful for them to have to clean up after disrespectful individuals.”
Mark Bevan, from environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful, added: “Over the last two years of our campaign our volunteers have carried out almost half a million acts of clearing up litter, just like the Forestry Commission’s staff have had to do at Countesswells and Foggieton.
“This sort of thoughtless littering has repercussions, it is bad for tourism, costs local authorities money to clear and stops organisations like the Forestry Commission from getting on with their core work.”
Anyone who witnesses litter being thrown from a car has been encouraged by FCS staff to report the vehicle registration number to police, Aberdeen City Council’s waste management team or the “dumb dumpers” hotline on 0845 230 4090.
