VISITORS to a popular beauty spot were horrified at the sight of a nesting swan surrounded by rubbish.

The pair of mute swans in Drumpellier Country Park appear to be using discarded waste to build a nest.

Of the two eggs in the nest, one appeared to be sitting on a thrown away Quavers packet while empty drinks cans and bottles littered the area.

Animal experts said increasing numbers of wildlife are being harmed by rubbish while North Lanarkshire Council said anyone caught dropping litter faces a fine.

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Sadly, we have noticed an alarming increase in animal injuries due to incorrectly discarded rubbish, with everything from cats and bats, to badgers and foxes being affected.

“We want to remind everyone that they can help save wildlife by properly disposing of their rubbish.

“Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”

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Swans lay up to seven eggs in late April and early May with both the male and female incubating the nest.

Yesterday the two swans were adding to the nest, which sits in the middle of the Coatbridge park, and were seen moving around plastic bottles.

The scene showed the impact careless park users can have on wildlife.

On visitor said: "It is absolutely disgusting.

"The poor swans. It is so embarrassing that we have this beautiful park in Coatbridge and the privilege of having these lovely animals yet look how poorly we are taking care of both.

"My daughter lives near Queen's Park in Glasgow and there's a pair of nesting swans there.

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"The nest is pristine and nothing like this mess we can see here.

"It's unacceptable."

There were several litter bins near the swan's nest and dotted around the park, meaning no excuse for those dropping litter.

A spokesman for North Lanarkshire Council said: “Discarded rubbish is a blight not only for park users, but also poses a risk to the animals that call the park home.

“We would urge everyone using the park to properly dispose of any litter in the bins provided.

"Anyone caught throwing rubbish away will face being fined.”

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