The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Call for campaign to teach public about hogweed.
Government urged to launch national campaign
An MSP has called for a Government campaign to teach the public about a toxic plant that is plaguing Courier Country.
Giant hogweed has been using the region as a breeding ground and infesting watercourses, railway embankments, waste ground and open green spaces.
The summer months are high season for the menace, which can cause huge blisters and burns on human skin, as well as possible blindness.
Earlier this month The Courier reported how the Carse of Gowrie and some residential parts of Perth have been badly affected, while the plant remains an issue for communities across Tayside, Angus and Fife.
Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser called on the Scottish Government to launch a widespread awareness campaign to teach the public about what the plant looks like, how to destroy it and how to deal with being exposed to it.
He said: “The dangers of touching or brushing up against the plant are far-ranging and can cause damage that is noticeable for years.”
Scottish Natural Heritage’s invasive non- native species expert, Stan Whitaker, backed calls for people to be educated on the dangers of the plant.
He said: “People should be made aware of what giant hogweed is and know not to mess with it. It can cause severe blistering to the skin which can last for many years after contact.”
A Dundee City Council spokesman said environmental management staff have been spraying giant hogweed since April, with warning signs installed in some problem locations.
An Angus council spokesperson said: “We have undertaken additional hogweed control at the Dighty Burn up to the boundary of Angus and Dundee area this year, as well as dealing with small outbreaks elsewhere in Angus.”
Fife Council said they were not aware of any problems with giant hogweed, while Perth and Kinross Council stated they carry out treatment on various weeds when necessary.
People should be made aware of what giant hogweed is and know not to mess with it. It can cause severe blistering on the skin which can last for many years after contact. STAN WHITAKER OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HERITAGE