Highland Ranger report highlights ongoing visitor management pressures

The Highland Council has published its Access Ranger Annual Report for 2025, highlighting the extensive work carried out by the Ranger team across the area between June and October 2025.

The report provides a detailed overview of patrol activity, visitor behaviour trends, and the ongoing challenges facing some of the Highland’s most visited rural areas. It also compares this season’s findings with previous years where a Highland-wide team was deployed.

Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: “It’s disappointing to see continued instances of irresponsible behaviour that fall short of what is expected under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. These findings underline the ongoing need to educate visitors about respecting our beautiful Highland environment and the communities who live here.

“The 2025 report also clearly demonstrates the value and positive impact of our Access Rangers. Their work continues to reduce environmental damage, deter irresponsible activity, and support both residents and visitors to enjoy our outdoor environment safely and responsibly.

“From clearing abandoned campsites and collecting litter, to extinguishing unsafe fires and supporting compliance at car parks, their daily actions help protect our landscapes and promote a more sustainable and respectful visitor experience. This not only enhances enjoyment for everyone but also strengthens the long‑term success of our tourism economy.

“The Outdoor Access Team will continue in 2026, and recruitment will open shortly and subject to successful recruitment will be a similar sized team covering the area.”

In 2025, a team of 18 Access Rangers completed 1,755 patrols checking countryside sites on 21,358 occasions - a greater number than in previous years. Their presence continues to play a vital role in promoting responsible access, supporting communities, and safeguarding the natural environment.

Key Findings for 2025:

Informal camping

• Rangers recorded 4,231 off-site tents, a 13% reduction from 2023, however, numbers remain significantly higher than pre Covid-19 pandemic levels.
• Highest concentrations and associated issues such as fires, litter and abandoned tents were found in East Lochaber and Loch Ness, with increases also observed in North Lochaber and South Skye.
• 45 abandoned tents were discovered, most notably in Wester Ross and Loch Ness.

Recreational Vehicles (RVs)

• A total of 31,782 RVs (motorhomes, campervans, roof tents) were recorded, 2,365 less than previous years.
• Despite a drop in total RV numbers, the rate per patrol increased by 8%.
• High numbers were seen in Lochaber, Skye, and along the NC500, with increases particularly in West Lochaber, Lochalsh and parts of Sutherland.

Blackwater Waste Disposal

• Rangers recorded 207 incidents of blackwater waste dumping - a 60% rise from previous years.

The most affected areas were Wester Ross and Assynt, alongside high reports in the Black Isle, Mid Ross and North Skye.

Outdoor Toileting

• 6,428 incidents were recorded across the Highlands.
• North Skye, Coigach and Assynt saw the highest numbers (1,862 incidents), could be linked to reduced availability of public toilets over longer distances.

Fire Risk and Campfires

• Exceptionally dry conditions led to heightened wildfire risk throughout the summer.
• Rangers recorded 2,681 fire marks and extinguished 236 unsafe fires.
• The highest levels of fire damage were seen in East Lochaber (513) and Loch Ness (605).

Parking and Visitor Management

• Rangers issued 590 parking warning notices, predominantly in Wester Ross and the Black Isle, where an assigned Ranger supported compliance at Chanonry Point.

Litter and Waste

• Nearly 2,100 bags of litter were collected, consistent with previous years.
• Rangers also reported an increase of waste and fly-tipping issues (638).

Public Engagement

• Rangers engaged with 22,632 people to promote the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and highlight local facilities.
• Most interactions were positive, with 269 classed as negative.

The full report can be found here – Item 12 (external link).