Park Rangers and Police Scotland join forces at Glenmore

Glenmore and Loch Morlich patrols
An aerial view over Loch Morlich and Glenmore where additional patrols will be focused.

The safety and enjoyment of visitors to Glenmore and Loch Morlich have been placed at the heart of a summer patrol partnership between Cairngorms National Park Rangers, Police Scotland, Highland Council and partners.

Rangers from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) and The Highland Council are present all week at these popular visitor destinations and they will now be joined at peak times on Friday and Saturday evenings by local police.

Joint patrols began last weekend (Friday 29 and Saturday 30 July) and will continue until the last weekend in August. Police Scotland’s enhanced presence in these areas during peak hours are of course in addition to their routine patrols throughout the week.

It’s the second consecutive year these partnership patrols have been implemented in and around Glenmore, with an enhanced police presence at weekends to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.

Glenmore and Loch Morlich are located in an area of outstanding natural beauty and the patrols will also help to protect the environment within the National Park.

Highland Council’s Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans said: “The council is delighted to once more support the additional police patrols in Glenmore which had a positive impact on the National Park last year.

“With the ongoing visitor management pressures seen around Highland, it is important we continue to work together on initiatives like this to strengthen the visitor offer and promote responsible tourism.”

Grant Moir, Chief Executive at the CNPA said: “The vast majority of the visitors to the Cairngorms National Park are enjoying their experience and behaving very well – the combined presence of rangers and the police at key times will help support everyone to have a great time here in a way that protects the local environment.”

Chief Inspector Jen Valentine of Police Scotland said: “We want all visitors to the area and locals to enjoy being outdoors and to be safe doing so over the summer months.

“The vast majority of people behave responsibly, and we thank them for that. Unfortunately, there are still instances of anti-social behaviour, including littering, parking, starting fires and drinking.

“We are working with partners, including the Cairngorms National Park Authority and Forestry Land Scotland, to help everyone to stay safe. Officers will be on patrol with these agencies.”

She added: “We also urge people to take care around water, especially when swimming in lochs, reservoirs and rivers. Take care and never enter the water after consuming alcohol. Please enjoy the countryside responsibly and report any concerns by calling Police Scotland on 101 or 999 if it is an emergency.”

Maree Morrison, FLS Recreation Ranger in the area, said: “Glenmore seems to be getting more popular every year, and with so many people visiting, it’s important that everyone does their bit to keep the place looking good and for it to continue to be welcoming to visitors and local residents.

“Thankfully, most people know how to behave but there are always some people whose behaviour spoils things for everyone else. This support from Police Scotland is a great boost for our efforts to make visitors realise that Glenmore – and its visitors – are to be treated with respect.”

The joint patrols run until the weekend of 20 August.

4 Aug 2022