Moray’s woodland areas have been blighted by fly-tipping in recent months, with tonnes of sometimes dangerous substances dumped.
The illegal activity has cost tens of thousands of pounds to clean-up – with cowboy workmen being blamed for some of the damage.
Among the worst incidents were the dumping of 50 tyres near Lossiemouth’s West Beach, while a truck load of hazardous asbestos was discarded near Spey Bay.
Asbestos dumped in Moray countryside as council reveals fly-tipping is getting worse
With the problem raising its head time and again, the Forestry Commission yesterday called for a halt to the illegal activity in Moray’s forests.
It has joined forces with MSP Richard Lochhead who is calling for more to be done to protect picturesque areas and communities across the region.
Scottish local authorities currently spend more than £8.9 million each year clearing up instances of illegally dumped waste.
In 2017, fly tipping cost Moray residents over £10,000, while private landowners incurred further clean-up costs.
Mr Lochhead himself reported an incident of fly-tipping at Lossie Forest to the Forestry Commission, who were able to track down the vehicle and driver involved.
The Moray MSP said: “It is reprehensible that people use our forests for illegal fly tipping and dumping rubbish.
“Forestry Enterprise Scotland has put a lot of time and effort into keeping this issue under control and clearing up other people’s mess.
“Many ‘cowboys’ who carry out work on our homes charge people the commercial cost of using recycling centres, then actually illegally dump the their debris in public areas.
“This is a problem across Scotland, not just Moray.”
He added: “Citizens need to work together to stop the illegal practise and keep our countryside and communities clean and tidy.
“I urge people to report what they know to the authorities.”
Fly-tipping can be reported to Moray Council by e-mailing waste@moray.gov.uk.
