Fears of potential 'tragedy' on Nairn beach after dangerous fires during unauthorised gatherings
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A retired hospital consultant has made a plea for volunteers and local agencies to step forward and set up patrols to stop the littering of Nairn’s prized beaches after coming across evidence of an unauthorised gathering which left dunes trashed and a danger to the public.
Lorna Fisher also fears the behaviour of people could lead to a tragedy, with booze being consumed and claims nearby caravans have been put at risk from fires in the past.
She recently removed a car load of bottles, cans, gas canisters and assorted trash from an area of the beach between Parkdean Holiday Park and the sea.
“There’s always this hype about how beautiful the beaches are here at Nairn,” she said.
“But it wouldn’t be so if it wasn’t for people taking bags with them on their daily walks and cleaning up the beach and dunes voluntarily.
“It’s not for me to say this was a ‘rave’, but there certainly was a party which would have breached the Covid regulations on gatherings in public spaces.
“Judging by the amount of litter that was left and the number of bottles, there must have been about 20 people there which is far in excess of the current restrictions.
“I’ve lived here for 30 years and I’ve always picked up litter on my walks, and I’ve contacted councillors and ward managers about the problem. But nothing’s done and it still goes on.
“I cleared up 60 bottles, 60 cans, 100 gas canisters containing nitrous oxide (used for inflating balloons and often inhaled) and other assorted trash. There were broken bottles, chairs, charcoal which had been used to light a fire, and surrounding trees and bushes were damaged to provide extra fuel.
“These people have no respect for our beautiful environment. They also leave smashed glass everywhere with no concern for children playing in the sand.”
Ms Fisher said the problem was not new to Nairn and was not confined to the beaches.
“It’s got worse during Covid,” she said.
“Surely a group could be organised to patrol and protect our environment with the cooperation of the police.
“It requires a coordinated approach from agencies such as council, rangers, Green Hive and volunteers with support from the police. Is anyone else in Nairn willing to help?”
And she raised concerns that Highland Council had reduced staffing in the past in the ranger service because of costs.
“In Grantown there is a group which organises fortnightly clean-ups of a local wood, and it is kept spotless. I think something like that is needed in Nairn with evening patrols to stop this kind of behaviour.”
She said the recent experience had pushed her over the edge to contact the police.
“I’d like to know if these concerns are shared locally, and would be delighted to hear from anyone with suggestions about how we can tackle this very serious problem.”
Nairn Provost Laurie Fraser said: “I was talking to the police last week and they are doing patrols of the beach in the evenings. I would urge people to use common sense and observe the Covid rules. Our beaches are our greatest asset and we shouldn’t be spoiling the environment.”
Chief Inspector Jenny Valentine said: “We have been made aware of concerns regarding recent gatherings at Nairn beach and will be working closely as part of the Community Planning Partnership to address any future incidents.
“The coronavirus regulations have had a significant impact on our lives, and I would like to thank the vast majority of people who are sticking to the rules and doing the right thing to avoid the spread of the virus as we move through the easing of restrictions.
“If you are visiting beaches or beauty spots within the local community, do so safely and respectfully – leaving no trace of your visit. Please also park responsibly to allow emergency access.
“Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and encourage compliance, but we will not hesitate to use our enforcement powers as a last resort.”
• Contact lornafisher294@yahoo.co.uk
