Taynuilt residents divided over concerns about wild camping
CAMPERS around Loch Etive are causing ‘ nuisance, rubbish and are breaking all the rules’, according to some residents, writes Louise Glen.
But others say nothing can be done to stop people parking in the pier area overnight and the village of Taynuilt should be working to befriend them.
Over the past few weeks people in Taynuilt have seen a marked increase in the number of camper cans, caravans and tents appearing on the loch side and the road towards the pier.
Resident Margaret McLellan said: ‘I thought there was no overnight parking permitted at the far away pier. For at least two nights now there has been a couple of caravans parked there. The ‘No overnight parking’ sign has somehow been turned around facing toward the river.’ A person who stopped The
Oban Times reporter when they were on the scene said the campers caused: ‘nuisance, rubbish and are breaking all the rules’. She did not want to give her name.
A statement from Taynuilt Community Council said: ‘Over the last few years the number of complaints received by Taynuilt Community Council ( TCC) regarding issues surrounding those staying overnight in the vicinity of Taynuilt Pier and the foreshore between Taynuilt Pier and Kelly’s Pier has risen considerably.
‘Vehicles such as camper vans parking on private land can only be moved on by the police if a complaint is received from the landowner and the vehicle owner must be given days to move the vehicle.
‘Different officers have quoted different timescales and camper van owners know this. The Scottish Access Code gives people the right to camp in tents, but only if that right is exercised responsibly.
‘Signs can only give instructions or information.
‘Enforcement, where appropriate, is the responsibility of other authorities who generally require complaints to act.
‘Complaints, in the main, continue to be made to the community council or on Facebook.
‘Occasional responsible use by a campervan or campers has never been the issue, however, it is intimidating for visitors and locals when encampments are set up with carpets, tables, chairs, washing lines and generators.
‘The campervans and caravan owners in effect claim the space for themselves and casual visitors and locals report moving on as they are made to feel uncomfortable.
‘TCC is willing to continue to try to address this problem but is currently consulting with residents to seek concerns and views on how to proceed.
‘Constructive input from visitors and campervan/ caravan owners is also welcome.’
Police say they are aware of the issues.