More than 1,200 incidents of fly tipping have been reported in the Highlands over the past five years, yet no convictions have been secured.

A freedom of information request by the Scottish Liberal Democrats found that Highland Council recorded 1,248 reports of fly tipping since 2019.

None of these cases were referred to the procurator fiscal, meaning no prosecutions or convictions have followed.

The figures have prompted calls for tougher action, with concerns raised about the impact on communities, landowners and the environment.

Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, Andrew Baxter, said the current situation risks encouraging further offences.

“The SNP are letting the Highlands become a free for all dumping ground.

“The lack of any serious consequences for flytippers only risks emboldening them and making the situation worse.

“For too long, waste gangs have pocketed millions in illegal earning, poisoning our environment and messing up neighbourhoods.”

The party is now calling for serious waste crime to be made a strategic priority for the National Crime Agency.

The NCA operates across the UK and its priorities are set by the Home Secretary in consultation with Scottish ministers.

The proposal would see Scottish Liberal Democrats formally request that large scale waste crime is given greater national focus.

“The Highlands deserve better, which is why serious crime should be made a strategic priority of the National Crime Agency, helping to stop these gangs in their tracks.”

The party has also proposed the introduction of a new restitution order.

Under the proposal, courts would be able to require offenders to contribute financially towards the clean up of illegal dumping.

“Offenders should also be made to pay for the clean up.

“Scottish Liberal Democrat plans for a new restitution order would hit their pockets hard, with the money used to support farmers and others who bear the brunt of this disgusting practice.”

Fly tipping remains a persistent issue in rural areas, where large distances and limited enforcement resources can make detection and prosecution more difficult.

The figures are likely to add to ongoing debate around enforcement, accountability and the need for stronger deterrents.