Western Isles

[tribute11]

𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 - 𝗮 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 - 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝘅 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲-𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆.

Calder told BBC Radio Scotland last week: “I think you could be looking very much at campervan taxes, particularly for the Western Isles. They are using the facilities but not necessarily contributing because as everyone knows they have stocked up in the supermarkets in Ullapool or Inverness."

“You need [to charge them] them say £20 a day or £15 a day, whatever it takes..... Don’t mess around with small amounts of money. If you are going to do it, go big.”

Full story: https://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/...516186056&mc_cid=682f13b351&mc_eid=1b3a55d8f4

 

[kensowerby]

Oh dear he has just proved that he’s a Richard head with an uncontrollable motor mouth, it’s quite obvious he doesn’t like motorhomes

 

[runnach]

We did the Hebs a few year back in our smaller Dethleffs MH. Two week trip, Oban to Barra, travelling to top of the islands, then back down to Stornoway for return Ferry to Ullapool. It is impossible (unless one lives of tinned food for two week) to carry sufficient food and fruit to sustain two of us for our trip. Our most memorable dinner was at the AM Politician Pub and restaurant. Mr Calder needs to open his mind before opening his mouth.

I liked Calder, I looked at him as a champion for all things travel and protector for us the consumer. IMO, he no longer has credibility for his obviously non-researched statement linked above.

 

[caledonia]

A small price to pay to visit spectacular places with facilities.

 

[caledonia]

We did the Hebs a few year back in our smaller Dethleffs MH. Two week trip, Oban to Barra, travelling to top of the islands, then back down to Stornoway for return Ferry to Ullapool. It is impossible (unless one lives of tinned food for two week) to carry sufficient food and fruit to sustain two of us for our trip. Our most memorable dinner was at the AM Politician Pub and restaurant. Mr Calder needs to open his mind before opening his mouth.

I liked Calder, I looked at him as a champion for all things travel and protector for us the consumer. IMO, he no longer has credibility for his obviously non-researched statement linked above.

We done similar 12years ago just before things got busy and have fond memories of empty beaches and overnights in unimaginable places. Last time we went I was disgusted at the behaviour of some visitors and they’re probably the ones who wouldn’t visit if they had to pay.

 

[Robmac]

A small price to pay to visit spectacular places with facilities.

Not for those who might stay on already overpriced campsites though Cal. £15-£20 per day extra makes it a very expensive holiday.

I bet the campsite owners will love him if their numbers drop.

 

[caledonia]

Not for those who might stay on already overpriced campsites though Cal. £15-£20 per day extra makes it a very expensive holiday.

I bet the campsite owners will love him if their numbers drop.

That was the problem the last time we went. Just too many vans. The West Harris Trust had good ideas but things just get too busy.

 

[runnach]

Cale, we went 2012, I'll always remember the year, as my mum died earlier that year and, due to her illness, our lives stopped to support our remaining parent for over six month, so we booked a trip to the Hebs. We drove down to Vatersay, just down from the village hall at the Annie May memorial, to be met with abandoned/dumped camp gear, I have a pic somewhere, as I could not believe how these tent campers could have left this beautiful place in such a state. At the time I thought, why not donate the kit to the village hall, or at least offer, so this dumping of camping kit is not new. I have pics of the tent on an extended drive, I'll see if I can source it later.

So, and IMO, if a tax was implemented, this should include all visitor vehicles, with their tent gear stashed in the boot.

 

[mistericeman]

Frankly not ALL of us stock up at main supermarkets ...
I've spent a small fortune over the years in small village shops,out of the way fuel stops and left donations when we have been offered stops/services at village halls/community centres etc ....
I've also cleared several skips worth of detritus from disposable bbqs to windblown bale wrap ...
I've unblocked drains/culvert and even repaired flush mechanisms in public toilets etc
Spent money stopping at small independent sites
Cleared over grown paths
And eaten my own substantial bodyweight at village cafes,pubs and eateries .....

So personally Ill just vote with my feet if they try to bring an extra charge to deal with the folks that frankly just don't give a toss ....
And to be honest there's much more chance of finding an honest politician than the NEDS stopping leaving Shyte everywhere because there's a charge .

 

[runnach]

Although a 2021 article, introduction of RET has had a positive impact on our islands

RET ferry fares | Transport Scotland

www.transport.gov.scot

 

[runnach]

And if RET is for island residents only, folks should vote with their feet, and not go.

Hint that RET on ferry fares may be axed for visitors

For the local news and events in the Western Isles, We Love Stornoway connects our island communities, highlighting key happenings and sharing positive stories.

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