VISITORS to Scotland's first national park are being urged to 'love it like a local' in a new campaign targeting litter louts.

The initiative is asking people to show their respect for their favourite day-trip or overnight destinations within the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and treat them as they would want their own home to be treated - by disposing of litter at home.

This initial phase of the ‘Love It Like a Local’ campaign is a collaboration between the National Park Authority, people who live and work in key towns and villages, and the three local authorities covering the area: Argyll and Bute Council, Stirling Council and West Dunbartonshire Council.

The campaign is designed to send a strong message: that littering is not acceptable within the National Park, but responsible visitors who bin their litter or take it home with them are always welcome.

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It comes as the easing of lockdown restrictions has seen a ‘pressure-cooker’ effect of people keen to get out into the countryside but some have left extensive amounts of litter to be cleaned up afterwards.

The National Park’s most popular areas have experienced a high volume of visitors since measures were relaxed, whilst public services remain stretched due to ongoing Covid-19 challenges.

The campaign will be complemented by the ongoing work of the authorities within the National Park who deliver litter picking and bin servicing, which have been put under strain due to coronavirus restrictions, and also the enforcement work of partners, which most recently saw 21 people charged with irresponsible camping, littering and fire-lighting behaviours.

Gordon Watson, chief executive of the National Park Authority, said: “Whether you live, work or visit the National Park it’s a special placed loved by many.

READ MORE: Campers charged as trees damaged and trails of rubbish left around National Park

“At this time, when people have been unable to visit for so long during lockdown it’s understandable that people are desperate to get out and visit their favourite places or try somewhere new.

“Sadly, while visitors provide a welcome boost to the area, particularly in terms of the recovering tourism economy, people who live and work in the National Park’s most popular towns and villages have had to witness extensive littering since lockdown restrictions began to ease. It is devastating to see people show such blatant disregard for a place that you cherish.

“So, we’re asking people who love the National Park to ‘love it like a local’ and respect the area, its environment and its communities by treating it the way you’d want people to treat your home.

“The ask is simple, bin your litter or take it home. If bins are full or there are none because you’re in a rural area, bag your litter and take it away with you.”

READ MORE: Owner saves her dog's life after pet chokes on litter near Loch Lomond

Argyll and Bute Council’s policy lead for housing, roads and infrastructure services, Councillor Robin Currie, said: “The National Park is one of the most stunning areas within Argyll and Bute, so impressive that it attracts international film and television productions. This is great for the area and for Scotland.

“So it’s heartbreaking that there are some people who don’t value this precious resource.

"I can’t stress enough how important it is that everyone respects the National Park and the communities that live within it.

"Please – treat it as if you lived here too. Be responsible for your own litter.”

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