Glen Coe's Lost Valley damaged by campfires

Glen Coe's Lost Valley

National Trust for Scotland (NTS) says campfires have damaged Glen Coe's famous Coire Gabhail.

Better known as the Lost or Hidden Valley, the glen was once used by members of Clan MacDonald to hide stolen cattle.

Today it is part of a site of special scientific interest, partly because of its rich and internationally-important plant life.

NTS said people were harming the protected habitat by cutting off tree branches that were covered in mosses and lichens to build fires.

Campfire damage in Coire Gabhail

Fragile peatland has also been damaged by the fires.

The trust said the problems had come while Glencoe National Nature Reserve was having one of its busiest ever years for visitors.

Visits to its visitor centre have gone up by 35% compared to last year, and there have been 18% more tents and 10% more campervans and motorhomes on the reserve.

While the majority of visitors acted responsibly, NTS said the latest tourist season had been marred by fires and litter.

The trust said it removed 200 bin bags-worth of rubbish.

Senior ranger Scott McCombie said: “Campfires have a negative impact on both the glens’ peat-rich low-level soils and thinner, fragile upland soils.

"We ask that campers bring only camp stoves, or at least portable metal fire bowls or stands to keep fires off the bare earth, and do not light naked flames during dry spells.”

Fire damage in Glen Etive near Glen Coe

Mr McCombie added: "In the famous Hidden Valley, the trust has been saddened to see woodland renowned internationally for its rich mosses and lichens damaged by campers who have cut branches off trees in an attempt to fuel their campfires.

“This is not only bad for these precious habitats but it’s also pointless as live greenwood will not burn."