Two alleged treasure hunters have been accused of illegal prospecting at an attractive site in the Perthshire Highlands.
The men, ages 53 and 71, were reportedly panning for gold at the Moness Burn in Birks of Aberfeldy when police were alerted around 10 a. m. Thursday.
The couple was charged under the Nature Conservation Act after being discovered in the domain designated as a Site of Special Interest (SSSI) through NatureScot, officially a Natural Heritage of Scotland (SNH).
The legislation is designed to protect flora, fauna and geology in historical sites where it is illegal to seek gold without a permit.
A Spokesperson for NatureScot said: “The Aberfeldy Birks are an SSSI of special clinical interest and also come with a component of the Tay River Special Conservation Area, which is designated for salmon, otter and lamprey.
“Any unauthorized painting or removal of appliances may damage the herbal characteristics of the site, which would constitute a crime.
“The removal of for advertising purposes without the owner’s permission is not an unusual theft. “
EXCLUSIVE: The gold value of three hundred million pounds can be extracted from the Perthshire hills after the main discovery.
Tayside police said treasure hunters may struggle if they travel the Scottish countryside without knowing the current legislation.
One spokesman said: “There are more than 1,400 SEIC in Scotland, and it’s pretty easy to get in one of those spaces without knowing it.
“If you’re making plans like an activity, especially if you’re visiting a position you don’t know, it’s worth checking if you’re going to an ISS and being aware of what you can and can’t do to keep you out of trouble. »
Last April, police pursued alleged search engines amid reports that a small team of gold beggars had filmed the good looks at least twice at the time.
Police are chasing suspected gold seekers on the Perthshire River
Historically, gold and silver were extracted from the domain since 1680 and one of the largest gold nuggets ever discovered in the UK was discovered near Aberfeldy, weighing just under 22 g.
About 20 years ago, dozens of treasure hunters from places as far away as Wales and Cornwell descended on a half-mile stretch of river near Aberfeldy, endangering rare flowers.
The mini gold rush was reportedly triggered by a rumor broadcast at a foreign prospecting festival a few months earlier.
A Scottish police spokesman said: “Officers were made with the presence of two men searching for moness Burn at Birks in Aberfeldy around 10 a. m. on Thursday, September 17. “
“Agents were provided and two men, the elderly and 71, were charged and a report will be sent to the prosecutor. “
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