New parking bays aim to restrict ‘freedom camping’ in East Neuk

Work has started to control the number of motorhomes using East Neuk beauty spots as campsites, which could lead to the introduction of a region-wide permit scheme.

Parking bays at Kingsbarns beach and Elie Ruby Bay car parks, to be installed following resurfacing earlier this week, will limit the number of campervans using them for so-called freedom camping.

Controls were proposed amid concerns over the number of motorhomes using several Fife locations.

Fife Coast and Countryside Trust (FCCT) said vans posed a fire and collision risk and that its workers had had to clean up waste, including human faeces.

It wants to regulate the practice without losing its economic benefit and

“The dates at this stage are unclear and we are monitoring the situation.

ROBBIE BLYTH OF FIFE COAST AND COUNTRYSIDE TRUST

believes a Fife-wide annual permit may be the best long-term option.

FCCT head of operations Robbie Blyth said: “It was agreed after consultation with various stakeholders that a pilot scheme would be trialled at Kingsbarns and Elie Ruby Bay for this season.”

It was originally intended the work would be completed by April, but Mr Blyth said: “Given the current pandemic, the dates at this stage are unclear and we are monitoring the situation.”

Introduction of a permit scheme would be a lengthy process and until it is complete, the trust is to designate five overnight spaces at Ruby Bay, with charges of £10 a night, and limit Kingsbarns to eight motorhomes a night, with campers asked for donations.

Mr Blyth added: “We would advise that the overnight usage of a motorhome is not within the spirit of the current emergency legislation.”

Picture: Steve MacDougall. Andrew Duncan, left, chairman of Loch Rannoch Conservation Association, and Steve Roworth, Loch Rannoch conservation officer.