MORE than half a dozen applicants have put themselves forward for the position of policing a Borders beauty spot.

Frustrated community councillors in the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys are about to employ a warden for the summer months.

And topping the duties for the new employee will be preventing rowdy parties and vandalism around St Mary's Loch.

Problems with late-night revellers have plagued the normally tranquil and picturesque area deep in the Yarrow Valley.

Illegal camping and fires as well as damage and littering have led to calls for better policing.

After years of frustration, community leaders have now decided to employ their own warden.

And the initial response from advertising the post has been successful.

Gordon Harrison, chair of Ettrick and Yarrow Community Council, said: "We've had more than half a dozen enquiries so far and we are hoping for a few more before the deadline.

"We are confident of finding the right person for the job - and if this pilot is successful we'll be looking at making it a permanent, seasonal position.

"The area around St Mary's Loch is one of the most picturesque in Scotland and most visitors appreciate its beauty and respect and look after the local environment while they are here.

"However, there have been some who have left litter behind, destroyed and burned local trees and become noisy and aggressive. "We have consulted with local people and agreed to test out a new warden service to see if this can alleviate the problems and encourage everyone to behave well."

The warden will work from Easter through to September and mainly patrol along the shores of St Mary's Loch, the Loch of the Lowes, Megget Reservoir and the Green area, opposite the Glen Café.

The pilot project, which is in partnership with Scottish Borders Council and Police Scotland, is being funded by money from the Langhope Rig Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund as well as donations from a local landowner and Scottish Borders Council.

Selkirkshire councillor Gordon Edgar has been involved in setting up the pilot service.

He told us: "Scottish Borders Council recognizes that some of those who wild cam' in the St Mary's Loch area are spoiling it for everybody else.

"We feel it is important to help the local community to feel safer and for this unique tourism destination to be looked after.

"SBC will be providing funding through The Quality of Life fund towards the pilot as well as helping uplift the litter."

Application forms are still available from Mr Harrison on 01750 62304 or gordy.harrison@btinternet.com but the deadline is on Monday, February 26.