Ben Nevis visitors urged not to build mini cairns

Officials say ever-increasing DIY cairns are ruining mountains in Highlands, as well as potentially misdirecting other walkers

Building "mini cairns" on Scottish mountains has become a popular way for walkers to leave a memorial, create a photo opportunity, or hide their rubbish. However, the ever-increasing piles of rocks are ruining Ben Nevis and other mountains in the Highlands, officials have warned.

Large navigational cairns are already in place on many Scottish mountains, built especially to stick above the snow and guide walkers along the right path to the summit.