Create the facilities we need
I travelled before VisitScotland named the NC500 and I blame VisitScotland for the plethora of campervans there, because it committed a serious error – no infrastructure, namely aires.
Yes, some ignorant people leave litter and waste, but VisitScotland is penalising the responsible majority by imposing punitive measures and restrictions on all.
Someone from VisitScotland needs to go to Europe and learn how the French, Germans, Italians and Spanish provide aires in villages, and more so in tourist hotspots. Britain is the only European country without an adequate infrastructure. My solution is:
1 Go to France and learn how they accommodate campervans
2 Provide aires
3 Fine the perpetrators
a) Littering fine (£1,000s)
b) Parking on a passing place fine (£1,000s)
c) Parking in front of an access point fine (£1,000s)
4 Allow parking for two nights for a few ’vans on any car park and throw some off if too many.
Don’t punish the many for the actions of the few. That’s the lazy way out of a problem, caused by VisitScotland not thinking, planning or providing adequate infrastructure.
The Highlands rely greatly on tourism and VisitScotland is well on the way to its destruction. I am setting off again to the Highlands and I do not feel welcome at all and will say such, everywhere I go, as I spend my money.
Travelling in a campervan in France and most of Europe is a sheer joy; this trip to the Highlands will be a nightmare.
Mrs J Banks
ED If you expect your tour will be a nightmare, I’d suggest going somewhere else.
Many communities are waking up to the fact that they have to provide provisions for motorhomes and campervans.
We have lots of reports of new CLs that councils are considering and of those trialling overnight stops (well done to South Hams and Forestry Scotland), but Pembrokeshire said it will crack down on overnighting in its council car parks. If you feel strongly about this issue, there are things you can do in your local area and further afield – head to campra.org.uk for more info.