Findhorn

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seventiesboy

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Findhorn in Moray has wonderful, large beachside parking. Wilding used to be allowed there. For the last few years it is covered with the dreaded yellow no overnight signs that are enforced by the local police. There are toilets there and the area is so large that I can't see why staying o/n would be a problem. The village campsite no longer takes tourers and the only site is th Foundation one by Kinloss airfield, expensive and not conveniently sited for the village.
Two thoughts, firstly that the signs are enforced by the police but can they really legally be.
Secondly, why do Moray Council not set up an aire here. This would please us happy campers and attract money and tourists into the village. It is the ideal spot for an aire.
Any thoughts?
 
Why not contact the tourism office of Moray Council yourself stating the case for an aire type arrangement. Do this by extoling the virtues to the local economy etc. Do not just state that because you have a motorhome you need somewhere to park and then expect a favourable response.
If you can get the tourism on board then you will have a stronger case with the roads dept.

I think too many people moan but do not take any action. It takes only a few minutes to write an email.

Good Luck
 
I agree and have already done this. Waiting for a reply.
I think this country could learn a lot from our European neighbours re aires/local economy etc
 
I know that car park, it's huge! I agree it would make perfect overnighting. I don't even remember it being overlooked by any properties.
How do the police get to enforce it? I've been reading everywhere else that parking is not a police matter? :confused:
 
Having yet to receive a reply from Moray Council, I have sent a very polite and constructive email to Findhorn Parish Council today for their thoughts.
Kind of ties in with the Port William thread too.
 
Hi
We used to stay at the camp site in Findhorn a lot and enjoyed some great holidays with our folding camper and tent. A few years ago they stopped taking tents saying that it was too much effort for very little income and many people came with huge tents that took up too much room so I was told, the next time we went we were told that he was shutting the camp site altogether as there was more money in Wood Chalets. Last time we dropped in for a look there were no campers just a huge wooden chalet and more spaces pegged out.

We have now spent a few nights at the beach area and yes it does have no overnight parking signs but if the council give permission to close a very busy camping and caravan park what do they expect us to do?. I buy food etc in the local wee shop and buy chips from the chip shop so I am helping the community.
 
The Bunty (chippy) is up for sale ?? connected to reduction in visitor numbers since camp site stopped taking tents/vans?
The village seems a bit "dead" to me recently and an obvious solution to increase trade and income would be an aire by the beach.
Interested to see what Moray Council or the parish council say.
I just wonder whether the very large and powerfull Foundation might have had some influence here as they have the only campsite now? Just a thought..............
 
Hi
The problem with the foundation camp site is you can't book in advance which is not much use, long way to go to find they are full!

Taken from there website - We do not take reservations for tent and tourers; sites are offered on a first come first served basis.
 
Received this interesting and quite hopeful reply to my email to the local council in Findhorn.
I thanked him and pointed him towards examples such as the aire in Hawick and community camping at Sheildaig.
Perhaps something positive may come of this.

Read on.............................

Thank you for your e-mail.

I fully agree with much of what you say. We also regret the closure of the Findhorn Sands touring site. As a Community Council we objected strongly to the planning application to replace the touring site with chalets - alas to no avail.

The reason for our rather unwelcoming no overnight parking - no camping signs is that we have considerable trouble with travellers over recent years who have left the most frightful mess on some occasions. I thought this was getting better recently until we had further problems at a car park to the south of the village just last month.

Many people (but not everyone) would like to see some form of camping facility in Findhorn along the lines you suggest
and it is something that is being pursued. There are issues with land ownership. e.g. the Beach car park land is owned by Novar Estates but is currently under lease by Moray Council whilst at the same time being part of the local nature reserve


Interesting.
 
Look what happens when you ask nicely.

Just received the following email from the Findhorn Village Centre.

Progress I think...............



Your email to Tim Negus has found its way to me. I am a director of the Findhorn Village Centre which is run by a group of volunteers to provide community facilities to the Village. We are situated behind the Church in Findhorn and have one space for visiting campervans. We can offer showers, loos and use of a kitchen. We also operate a 24 bed hostel. Our telephone number is 01309 692339 and if you would like to phone us between 10-2pm you can reserve a place.


We also recognise that there is a need for space for camping and caravans and with luck over the next 12 months we will be able to address this issue. Look forward to meeting you when to next stay in Findhorn, you can get a good cup of coffee and chat every Wednesday morning at the centre, look us up on the web at www.findhornvillagehostel.com. Thanks Christine Hunt.
 
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Another very positive email from Findhorn Council today asking if they could use my original email to them as part of their funding application for a village aire.
Very happy to oblige.
Again, apparent success . If you don't ask you don't get.
 
Ok folks, please excuse my ignorance. Can someone explain to me what an "aire" is?
 
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