Island MP slams campervans

[Guernsey Donkey]

I have spent much time in Scotland and particularly like the Islands. I have never met a local person who did not welcome us. I feel that local businesses are glad of the boost and are pleased to meet us, especially pubs, hotels and restaurants. I suspect that the Honourable Member has misjudged the mood of the local people.

Is tourism bad for the economy, or is it just this type of tourism, where people, mostly retired and with considerable disposable income come to visit and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Of course tourist numbers could be increased by building attractions and resorts, that might bring a younger crowd and surely would scar the landscape. If tourism is not wanted then restrict access to the ferries, although I do not think the people he is objecting to make descisions based on the cost of ferry travel, Alan.

I can assure you that Angus MacNeil is not against Camper Vans/Motor Homes, most of what you read in the press is them making a mountain out of a molehill. There are always the odd few people that will moan about anything so now it is the turn of the M/Homers on the Islands, all in all the trades people have welcomed the extra business that you the motorhomers have bought in to the Islands.
Ferry fares are now roughly half the price of last year mainly due to RET on Cal Mac ferries thanks to the Scottish Goverment.

 

[sagart]

Now that would be a godsend for the people who stay at the youth hostel on berneray. Everything I've read about the place says the toilets are permanently blocked.

And Ardmaree ferry terminal is a long way to go with your legs crossed!!!

You still have a legal right in Scotland to ask any householder for the use of their loo. In the good old days on Harris you were asked politely to use the bucket in the shed so that the contents could be used to wash oil from the wool used to produce Harris Tweed....a refined house kept a separate bucket for the Minister.

 

[Tco]

There has been a development, see the other thread "Don't they want our money" Page 3.

Tco

 

[Boxerman]

You still have a legal right in Scotland to ask any householder for the use of their loo.

And do they have the legal right to tell you to p**s off?

Frank

 

[Guernsey Donkey]

You still have a legal right in Scotland to ask any householder for the use of their loo. In the good old days on Harris you were asked politely to use the bucket in the shed so that the contents could be used to wash oil from the wool used to produce Harris Tweed....a refined house kept a separate bucket for the Minister.

Hummmm - Must look into this one -its new on me - not the bucket!!!

 

[jezport]

We felt that locals welcomed us on all the Islands we visited. We also noticed that there really was very few motorhomes on the island while we were there. Has the recent press coverage made people feel that they are not welcome?

It would have been nice to have more access to water and elsan disposal points but we managed OK.

 

[Pioneer]

The vote was in favour of camper vans/M/H by 77% to 23%
_________________________________________________________________

I can assure you all that Angus MacNeil is not against Camper Vans/Motor Homes, most of what you read in the press is them making a mountain out of a molehill. There are always the odd few people that will moan about anything so now it is the turn of the M/Homers on the Islands, all in all the trades people have welcomed the extra business that you the motorhomers have bought in to the Islands.
Ferry fares are now roughly half the price of last year mainly due to RET on Cal Mac ferries thanks to the Scottish Goverment. Hope to see all again very soon.

If any of you have had problems with locals please send me a PM with as much detail as possible and I will forward it to Angus MacNeil.

Guernsey Donkey

A good result to your original thread, and yes there is always the odd few people that won't like us being on the Islands in numbers, one appears to be the paper editor.
Many thanks to the Scottish Government and indeed Cal Mac for the 1st class service, that made our holiday possible.

Happy Camping