STEPHEN KERR VISITS FINNICH GLEN
Stephen Kerr, member of parliament for Stirling visited Finnich Glen last week to meet with the owners and speak to some of the visitors at this local beauty spot. The glen has been in the news recently due to increased numbers of visitors causing problems with parking on the A809 and the B843. The local community has been expressing concerns about the parking situation.
The glen has been in the spotlight due to it being highlighted in a number of travel blogs and photography guides. It was also used as a filming location for a number of film and television productions.
Stephen visited the glen alongside the owner, David Young and his wife, Carole. He saw the level of environmental damage, litter and erosion in the Glen caused by irresponsible visitors. However, it is also acknowledged that much of the negative impact on the Glen is due to the sheer number of visitors. He also heard how the level of visitor activity had been affecting Mr Young’s ability to farm.
Speaking about his visit Stephen said:
“The glen is beautiful, but the disrespectful way it has been treated by some visitors is appalling. It is right and proper that people enjoy access to the Scottish countryside and beauty spots like this, but they must treat it respectfully, not leave litter and stick to paths. People also need to be aware of what’s going on around them as parking inconsiderately and allowing dogs to attack sheep in surrounding fields is a real problem here.
I also have serious concerns about the traffic and parking, which many local people have spoken to me about. I have written to the Council’s Chief Executive and will continue to liaise with council members to resolve this situation”