Beauty spot Loch of Clunie compared to 'Skid Row' as rowdy tourists drink and party

A UK beauty spot which is known for its breathtaking views and freshwater activities has been turned into "Skid Row" due to over-tourism.

Locals living next to the Loch of Clunie in Perthshire, Scotland, claim the landmark has been wrecked by "aggressive" visitors. Residents say the stunning area has been turned into a constant "music festival" with campers not wanting to leave.

According to residents, tourists have trashed the site with booze-fuelled parties and anti-social behaviour. Pictures show tents, shoes and litter sprawled across the green space, which residents said has become a permanent state.

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Drunken tourists have reportedly got naked on the site and have even become physically abusive towards locals. Resident Emma Crichton told the BBC: "Earlier this month there was a flatbed truck with a fresh water supply on it for three generations of campers who were there for 10 days with a generator with loud music. I have people wandering into my garden asking if they can park there, people coming in and asking if they can use my loo. We have people having raves, it's like a music festival. I'm not a shrinking violet. I like a drink and I like loud music, but it's intolerable and I don't feel safe."

Rangers have increased patrols in the area, collecting discarded items such as soiled nappies and a hypodermic needle. The locale typically teems with visitors between October or whenever the sun makes an appearance. Ms Crichton criticised the council and police response, stating: "Some of the rangers have been doing the job since before I got there so they know the area well and they're very invested in it. Every time I make a complaint, I'm told there's no law being broken. I cannot accept that."

Negative feedback has also appeared on the Loch Clunie Facebook page, including a recent post from a man who visited the loch with his 10 year old daughter. He penned: "It was like Skid Row. Drunks everywhere - one or two being quite aggressive. Rubbish everywhere. Maybe half a dozen cars abandoned with parking tickets on them. Stayed for five minutes and left."

Strathtay Councillor Ian James described the situation as an "absolute nightmare" for local residents. He commented that they were "putting up with loud music and drunken behaviour. Although it's a beautiful area, it's just not a nice place to be when it's like that."

He alleged that a friend of his had been stabbed after requesting people not to camp in his garden. He added: "If this was Perth city centre, we'd have the police turning up and everybody would be trying their best to stop it, but this is in the countryside so it's unseen by most."

A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council has stated that the local authority is keen for both visitors and residents to enjoy areas such as Loch of Clunie in a "safe, responsible and courteous manner". The spokesperson further added: "Parking attendants patrol the clearways, issuing guidance and penalty notices as appropriate.