Arrests after protected ice age landscape damaged
- Published
Police have arrested three men over damage to a protected ice age landscape in the Highlands.
The force said it was likely that heavy machinery was used to remove soil and stone at Achnabobane, which is part of the Parallel Roads of Lochaber site of special scientific interest (SSSI), external near Spean Bridge.
The area has geology shaped by glaciers during the last ice age, which ended about 11,000 years ago.
Police said the men, aged 45, 53 and 75, were arrested following an "extensive investigation" that began about two years ago.
Scotland's nature body, NatureScot, along with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) and Highland Council worked with police on the investigation.
Police said the probe identified offences under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
PC Dan Sutherland said: "This is an internationally renowned geological site with protected features that were formed by glaciers during the last ice age.
"In November 2023 we were made aware of potential serious damage, likely caused by heavy machinery, which included the removal of soil and sediment."
He added: "Inquiries found large scale operations to create hard standings had been carried out without the consent of NatureScot."
A hard standing can be an area of ground covered in a material, such as stones, to create a firm surface for parking vehicles or storing heavy objects.
Police said SSSIs were covered by a high degree of legal protection, and it is an offence for anyone to intentionally or recklessly damage the landscapes.
PC Sutherland added: "Causing damage can lead to a fine of up to £40,000.
"Police Scotland is committed to investigating reports of damage to the nation's natural environment and the public has an important role in terms of alerting us to issues."