Behaviour warning issued to beauty spot visitors

Trees were cut down during an incident last month

Visitors have been urged to act responsibly at an Aberdeenshire beauty spot after reports of recent antisocial behaviour.

NatureScot said "unacceptable damage" had been caused at the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve in Deeside.

Concerns have been raised about a stretch along Loch Davan where trees were cut down, a wildlife camera stolen and litter left behind.

Fishing gear has also been abandoned despite fishing not being permitted.

'Unacceptable damage'

NatureScot has also asked people to paddleboard, kayak and canoe elsewhere at a sensitive time of year for breeding birds.

The Cairngorm National Park Authority has employed a team of rangers who will be at sites to advise on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Nature reserve manager Simon Ritchie said: "It's disappointing that we've had two recent incidents of antisocial behaviour on the reserve which have resulted in unacceptable damage.

"We’d like to thank the vast majority of our visitors who act responsibly and help protect nature at this internationally important wildlife site.”