NEWS: Highland campsites unite to fight council over free parking and tourist tax

[G and T]

Highland campsites unite to fight council over free parking and tourist tax
They say they have been forced into action following "damaging decisions" by the local authority which could force them to close.
by Liza Hamilton - Press and Journal
February 25 2025, 6:00 am

Campsite owners across the Highlands have united to challenge Highland Council’s free parking schemes for motorhomes and a proposed 5% tourist tax.

They say they have been forced into action following “damaging decisions” by the local authority which could force them to close.

This includes undermining their businesses with free motorhome parking and a proposed tourist tax.

The newly established Highland Caravan and Campsites Association (HCCA) will now act as a unified voice, representing 37 site operators who have already signed up.

Its formation follows a series of scoping meetings held in Fort William, Wick, Inverness, and Ullapool in recent weeks.

Highland Council not supporting campsite operators
HCCA’s inaugural meeting was chaired by Highland councillor Jim McGillivray on Friday.

He criticised the council for using public money and resources to encourage motorhome use of council car parks in direct competition with Highland site operators.

“Highland Council has not been supportive of these businesses,” he said.

“The first major issue is allowing motorhomes to park overnight in council car parks.

(Image: Lynn and Darren Redfern who operate Dornoch Caravan and Camping Park have been elected Secretary and Treasurer of the newly formed Highland Caravan and Campsites Association.)

“That’s in direct competition with these private operators who provide significant employment.

“They also pay their business rates and extensive licensing fees and actually provide a very important service in terms of waste collection and disposal of grey water and black water from motorhomes and caravans.

“It’s very frustrating to find motorhomes bypassing them, rolling 100 yards along the road and parking overnight in a council car park which does not have the same stringent licensing conditions that private operators have to follow.”

HCCA’s new chair Ann Edwards operates Camping at Golspie and Camping Pod Heaven.

She said tourism operators had been “banging their heads against a brick wall” trying to get Highland Council to listen to their concerns.

Criticism of ‘Dick Turpin’ levy
Park owners are deeply concerned about the potential impact of its proposed 5% visitor levy, which is currently out for public consultation.

The visitor levy proposal suggests that accommodation providers will be responsible for collecting the levy from overnight visitors.

Ms Edwards described it as a “Dick Turpin levy” and said it was also in HCCA’s crosshairs.

“They are just robbing people because they want to fund services that they have basically mismanaged in the past and now they’ve overspent,” she said.

“If the council was a business, it would be bankrupt.

“The levy is going to deter visitors rather than encouraging them. They’re going to say ‘I’m sorry, not going back’.”

(Image: Ann Edwards, chairperson of the newly formed HCCA and owner of Camping Pod Heaven and Camping at Golspie.)

They say they have been forced into action following "damaging decisions" by the local authority which could force them to close.

East Sutherland and Edderton councillor Jim McGillivray chaired the inaugural meeting of the Highland Caravan and Campsites Association.

Campsite owners across the Highlands have united to challenge Highland Council’s free parking schemes for motorhomes and a proposed 5% tourist tax.

They say they have been forced into action following “damaging decisions” by the local authority which could force them to close.

This includes undermining their businesses with free motorhome parking and a proposed tourist tax.

The newly established Highland Caravan and Campsites Association (HCCA) will now act as a unified voice, representing 37 site operators who have already signed up.

Its formation follows a series of scoping meetings held in Fort William, Wick, Inverness, and Ullapool in recent weeks.

Highland Council not supporting campsite operators
HCCA’s inaugural meeting was chaired by Highland councillor Jim McGillivray on Friday.

He criticised the council for using public money and resources to encourage motorhome use of council car parks in direct competition with Highland site operators.

“Highland Council has not been supportive of these businesses,” he said.

“The first major issue is allowing motorhomes to park overnight in council car parks.

Lynn and Darren Redfern who operate Dornoch Caravan and Camping Park have been elected Secretary and Treasurer of the newly formed Highland Caravan and Campsites Association. Image: Sandy McCook
“That’s in direct competition with these private operators who provide significant employment.

“They also pay their business rates and extensive licensing fees and actually provide a very important service in terms of waste collection and disposal of grey water and black water from motorhomes and caravans.

“It’s very frustrating to find motorhomes bypassing them, rolling 100 yards along the road and parking overnight in a council car park which does not have the same stringent licensing conditions that private operators have to follow.”

HCCA’s new chair Ann Edwards operates Camping at Golspie and Camping Pod Heaven.

She said tourism operators had been “banging their heads against a brick wall” trying to get Highland Council to listen to their concerns.

Criticism of ‘Dick Turpin’ levy
Park owners are deeply concerned about the potential impact of its proposed 5% visitor levy, which is currently out for public consultation.

The visitor levy proposal suggests that accommodation providers will be responsible for collecting the levy from overnight visitors.

Ms Edwards described it as a “Dick Turpin levy” and said it was also in HCCA’s crosshairs.

“They are just robbing people because they want to fund services that they have basically mismanaged in the past and now they’ve overspent,” she said.

“If the council was a business, it would be bankrupt.

“The levy is going to deter visitors rather than encouraging them. They’re going to say ‘I’m sorry, not going back’.”

Ann Edwards, chairperson of the newly formed HCCA and owner of Camping Pod Heaven and Camping at Golspie.
At their first meeting, members raised alarms over the inclusion of motorhomes staying on their sites being subject to the visitor levy, while those parked “off-site” would not be affected.

Levy will ‘negatively impact’ business
Ms Edwards said the association will be submitting a response to Highland Council to ensure it understands how the scheme will negatively impact business communities.

“Everyone was concerned about the visitor levy being proposed by the Highland Council and how this will negatively affect our businesses,” said added.

“We are hoping in the future to work collaboratively to promote campsites in the Highlands in order to showcase how we have something to offer.

“From large campsites on the beach with lots of facilities to very small intimate certified locations where you can get away from it all and everything in between.”

A Highland Council spokesperson said a survey ahead of its 2024/25 budget shows people understand the need for income generation.

“The most common suggestion to do so was through campervans and motorhomes to help support sustainable tourism in the Highlands,” he said.

Highland campsites unite to fight council over free parking and tourist tax

They say they have been forced into action following "damaging decisions" by the local authority which could force them to close.

www.pressandjournal.co.uk

 

[Fisherman]

Now let me get this right, these campsite owners want to force us to use their campsites by having our right to park in carparks that our taxes paid for removed. We always knew who were behind many of the measures against us. Could you imagine this happening in France, or anywhere else in Europe. Well at least now the at is out of the bag.

When did we become responsible for sustaining failing businesses, which failed to keep up with changing times. These are the same campsites that either ripped us off to use their chemical waste or simply refused to allow us to do so. Perhaps if they offered us what we need instead of trying to force us to use what we don’t want or need they would do a lot better. Maybe now the penny will drop and they will realise who needs who, we certainly don’t need or want them in their current form. We travel in winter when they are all closed.

And look who have been elected chairman and treasurer the Redferns from Dornoch.
I would rather have my molars extracted without anaesthetic than give those two a penny. These are the two idiots who reckon insulting their potential customers makes for good business sense. I tried to have them removed from search for sites, but gave up after several attempts.

When heading north and needing a campsite remember Dornoch campsite, they reckon we are freeloaders, who dump our chemical waste everywhere, and charged us £15 to use their elsan point, lovely people.

Before booking their site take a read, here’s an excerpt

The couple state: “We believe that motorhome users who choose not to use campsites, caravan parks or aires place an unnecessary burden on local communities by parking inappropriately, disposing of their rubbish, chemical toilet and dirty water as well as defecating, at the side of the road.

Sutherland caravan park operators in move to ban motorhomes from 'wild' overnight parking

Darren and Lynn Redfern, of Dornoch Caravan and Camping Site have lodged a petition with the Scottish Parliament.

www.northern-times.co.uk

 

[caledonia]

If they didn’t charge so much and provided what we do need at a reasonable price they could cash in. Pretty simple.
Of all the tourists I’ve seen interviewed they all seem ok with the tourist tax.

 

[Robmac]

If they didn’t charge so much and provided what we do need at a reasonable price they could cash in. Pretty simple.
Of all the tourists I’ve seen interviewed they all seem ok with the tourist tax.

I agree Cal, a simple stop and empty/fill charge as some do already for a reasonable fee would earn them extra money.

If they get what they want and force us all onto campsites they will have a captive audience and you can bet prices will go up then.

 

[RichardHelen262]

If they get what they want and force us on to campsites I doubt they will have room for everyone, if that is the case where does everyone else stay,
They need to open up an area that doesn’t have ehu or a fancy marked out pitch but just somewhere to park up for the night, with water and waste facilities which being a campsite they should already have,
And just charge a reasonable fee, say £10 per night

 

[marchie]

I agree Cal, a simple stop and empty/fill charge as some do already for a reasonable fee would earn them extra money.

If they get what they want and force us all onto campsites they will have a captive audience and you can bet prices will go up then.

Nobody can force us onto a campsite operated by the vested interests of private business, Rob. These people are similar to the 'boutique hotel' et al brigade who spend thousands of £ on cushions to litter the bed, then claim that their fees are high because of their luxury refurbishment costs.

I don't stay in these establishments, and I won't stay in the overpriced campsites; nor will I occupy a precious Car Parking space. I also will not contribute to the local economy, and if more of us did the same, the much vaunted 'valuable local employment' would reduce ...

French and Spanish towns provide free Aires, and local businesses get the benefit of the tourism spend. The weather is better, the locals are friendlier, the value for money is much better, but the French and Spanish cannot compete with the Highland moaning and whining ... Good to know Highland Council and its commercial 'partners' lead the way, eh?

Steve

 

[Fisherman]

If they get what they want and force us on to campsites I doubt they will have room for everyone, if that is the case where does everyone else stay,
They need to open up an area that doesn’t have ehu or a fancy marked out pitch but just somewhere to park up for the night, with water and waste facilities which being a campsite they should already have,
And just charge a reasonable fee, say £10 per night

That’s exactly what is happening all over Scotland.
I have lost count of the new Aires opening up every year.
the fact is times have changed, caravan sales are slipping and more and more of us want the freedom that motorhomes offer, and are prepared to pay not only the price for these expensive vans, but also their high running costs. People like this want to remove our freedom for their own selfish interests. I cannot see them getting anywhere.

 

[Robmac]

Nobody can force us onto a campsite operated by the vested interests of private business, Rob. These people are similar to the 'boutique hotel' et al brigade who spend thousands of £ on cushions to litter the bed, then claim that their fees are high because of their luxury refurbishment costs.

I don't stay in these establishments, and I won't stay in the overpriced campsites; nor will I occupy a precious Car Parking space. I also will not contribute to the local economy, and if more of us did the same, the much vaunted 'valuable local employment' would reduce ...

French and Spanish towns provide free Aires, and local businesses get the benefit of the tourism spend. The weather is better, the locals are friendlier, the value for money is much better, but the French and Spanish cannot compete with the Highland moaning and whining ... Good to know Highland Council and its commercial 'partners' lead the way, eh?

Steve

I know they can't really Steve, but they would like to.

I do actually use campsites, CL/CS's if possible but I do have some favourite larger sites as well but give me a wild spot or a pub stop anytime in the right place. I'm not a fan of Aires to be honest but will use them if it's the only choice. I don't travel abroad but many of the new Aires here seem to charge the equivalent (or more) than a CL/CS? and I know where I would rather stay - they would be ok for a stopover though I suppose to break up a journey. What I do like though is that if more and more people are using the Aires then there will be less pressure on the places I like to go.

I agree about the 'tourism spend' and certainly won't spend my money where I am not welcome.

 

[mariesnowgoose]

It's about "consumer choice" and there currently isn't a great deal available to meet demand - and I don't mean the demand for campsites!!
You can't force people to buy your product if they don't want or need it.

I doubt I would ever bother travelling to the Highlands again if the only places you could ever stop overnight were campsites.

I'll hazard a guess that their businesses can't be doing too well, otherwise they wouldn't need to be complaining about this in the first place?

 

[barryd]

If they get what they want and force us on to campsites I doubt they will have room for everyone, if that is the case where does everyone else stay,
They need to open up an area that doesn’t have ehu or a fancy marked out pitch but just somewhere to park up for the night, with water and waste facilities which being a campsite they should already have,
And just charge a reasonable fee, say £10 per night

I've seen exactly this in France and Germany. Works well. Just an Aire outside the main site usually. You can generally use the facilities of the site. Emptying etc although some have their own service points.

 

[Bigshug]

Just tried to find all the campsites in the association, so I can avoid using any of them!!

 

[alcam]

It's about "consumer choice" and there currently isn't a great deal available to meet demand - and I don't mean the demand for campsites!!
You can't force people to buy your product if they don't want or need it.

I doubt I would ever bother travelling to the Highlands again if the only places you could ever stop overnight were campsites.

I'll hazard a guess that their businesses can't be doing too well, otherwise they wouldn't need to be complaining about this in the first place?

Agreed . I stay on campsites every now and then but if there is an area where that is the only option I wouldn't be going .
Seems ridiculous that we're actually having this conversation .

 

[Val54]

Just tried to find all the campsites in the association, so I can avoid using any of them!!

When you have, can you post the blacklist on here please.

 

[TeamRienza]

Will they have their full range of facilities open 365 days?
Will they keep their receptions open until 9pm each night for those of us who wish to make the most of the day.?

Davy

 

[caledonia]

Most of the Scottish councils have switched on and provided us with cheap overnight parking and in turn we spend in the local shops pubs and restaurants.
Camp sites that had the boom of covid are now experiencing the bust now the sheeple have went back to Shagaloof for holidays.
Instead of thinking about things and doing as the council have done they stamp their collective feet and expect us to do as they say.

 

[izwozral]

I hate being told what to do so they can just feck off with overpriced campsites. The UK is getting evermore restrictive, you can't do this, you can't say that, you won't be able to fart unless you have paid to wear a bum mask the way things are going.

 

[alcam]

I hate being told what to do so they can just feck off with overpriced campsites. The UK is getting evermore restrictive, you can't do this, you can't say that, you won't be able to fart unless you have paid to wear a bum mask the way things are going.

Won't be able to fart ?
Not something I have ANY control over

 

[Fisherman]

What I do like though is that if more and more people are using the Aires then there will be less pressure on the places I like to go.

I agree about the 'tourism spend' and certainly won't spend my money where I am not welcome.

Exactly Rob, Aires take pressure of the honey pots, and the type of places we like to visit. Less pressure on them means more room for us, and less chance they will ever be closed to us, it’s a win win.

 

[Moped]

How did Scottish campsites generate revenue before self contained motohomes took off in the UK?

Last time I was in Scotland, some years ago admitedly, the campsites had a mix of tents, VW camper type vehicles and caravans, with a high proportion of overseas tourists in the mix. We had a tent.

Now that the Scottish government has taken steps to encourage motorhome visitors in much larger numbers than years ago, campsites want a slice of that pie. Maybe because their previous user types mentioned above is in decline.

The Scottish government should respond by saying that campsites should be giving self contained motorhome users special deals like they do in France and Spain, with smaller pitches made available, modifying their campsite layouts to suit the minimal demands of self contained motorhomes.

The campsite mindset of a motorhome needing the same requirements and space as a caravan or tent is old hat and needs to change.

 

[Moped]

And further campsites in Scotland are rarely in the best location for a motorhome user other than for use as an overnight stop.

Longer stay visitors in tents or caravans generally have separate transport and stay in an area for longer. So how much revenue are these campsites actually loosing?