Byelaws to promote responsible camping so all can enjoy Loch Doon - public consultation launched

In recent years the number of visitors to the area has increased massively, and many do adhere to the advice to "leave nothing but footprints". However sadly an increasing number are now causing a nuisance with antisocial behaviour, littering and damaging the environment, even, sometimes putting themselves and others in danger.

For local residents, and those who work in the area the volume of visitors has had a detrimental impact, with some informal camping habits now proving troublesome.

For this reason, East Ayrshire Council, in consultation with local people, businesses and emergency services has drawn up a series of proposed byelaws, aimed at focusing "wild camping" on particular areas and encouraging people to abide by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and respect the environment, the wildlife and other people.

These new byelaw proposals have now been put out to a public consultation, with views being sought from locals, visitors, workers, partner agencies - including emergency services - and landowners before they are enacted in law.

Councillor Drew Filson, Cabinet Member for Localities, East Ayrshire Council, explained why the byelaws are being proposed:

"Loch Doon is a wonderful wild landscape offering huge opportunities for people to access their rights to enjoy the great outdoors, however it can also be a dangerous place, with hazards posed by wildfires, changeable weather and water conditions, so it needs to be treated with respect. For all users it's important that they understand that with rights also come responsibilities, and sadly, as it has become an increasing popular destination, some people have failed to recognise that their behaviour is causing issues for the area and other users.

"In previous years our officers have worked with our partners in Scottish Fire and Rescue, Ayrshire 360 Ranger Service, Forestry and Land Scotland and Police Scotland, HM Coastguard and RNLI with a multi-agency approach to try and protect the area and its users. However, despite our attempts to engage with visitors and ask them to take care, there has been a marked failure among some people to comply with our requests.

"We've listened to the reports of local residents and business owners, together with the observations of our own officers that camping and general visitors are causing increasing environmental damage, overcrowding, littering and fire damage due to irresponsible camping in hotspots on the loch shore.

"While the Scottish Outdoor Access Code sets out the guidance for behaviour, sadly it needs powers of enforcement to back it up to combat the entitled behaviour of those who dismiss it.

"This is why we've now brought forward these proposed byelaws for consultation. We're hoping as many people as possible will take a look at what we propose and help us shape the future of safe and happy camping at Loch Doon for all to enjoy."

The Council has produced an "Enjoy Loch Doon" page packed with useful information about water safety, wildfires and how to camp and picnic safely. It also contains a link to the consultation which runs until 6 November.

More information

• Read the Council Report
• Take part in the consultation
• Visit the Enjoy Loch Doon page
• Contact us with any queries: East Ayrshire Council Environmental Health Team