Wildcamping in Scotland-An existential threat

All this debate about where people come from is diverting from the object of the original post. Be aware of the opposition, but best not to ruffle the feathers and inflame someone who’s views are already entrenched and driven by a large helping of self interest. A considered strategy is needed to bypass such folks and deal directly with influential organisations... something that is already under consideration.
 
As said already, this thread should be about campaigning against this lady and her views on Wildcamping in Scotland and not a Scottish south divide, if there is one, that should be settled somewhere else.
Obviously people who live in the north of the country, possibly have the most to loose, if she succeeds as travel north is much easier for them and they will loose a great asset.
Obviously everyone is the looser if it comes to fruition, mostly the people of Scotland, as they will tourists with there money and local businesses will suffer.
So lets set our differnces aside and concentrate on the problem together.
 
barge1914 said:
And sad so many who do have a personal interest axe to grind. We trip over a surprising number of hoteliers and campsite owners on councils.
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But that is the age old problem, generally speaking a significant proportion of local councillors/representatives take up their duties knowing it will help them influence their wider interests, the effect of that becomes more significant the smaller the council/committee. Whatever we may think about them, the power rests with them and not the silent majority. In my experience, changing opinions only works if it directly impacts on their pockets or their standing in the local community. To that end, local businesses impacted by loss of income would have some sway behind the scenes, equally persuading the relevant tourist boards to offer grants to local community councils to help provide facilities is another angle. To help the latter point, it needs a scheme that can be implemented over time and I doubt the relevant authorities have the time, inclination, expertise or money to invest as shortsighted as that may be.
 
barge1914 said:
All this debate about where people come from is diverting from the object of the original post. Be aware of the opposition, but best not to ruffle the feathers and inflame someone who’s views are already entrenched and driven by a large helping of self interest. A considered strategy is needed to bypass such folks and deal directly with influential organisations... something that is already under consideration.
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Given the current situation, it might be best to also target the local Chamber of Commerce. They should be actively looking for ways to improve tourism ... and in the short term motorhomes hold a unique position (as Scarborough Council has demonstrated).
 
Lee said:
As much as I love Scotland with it's great veiws and wild countryside.
If this were to come into place, I would probably take the cheaper and easier option for me and go over to Europe where it is easier and more accommodating for motorhomes.
It saddens me to write this as in the past I've had some great times in Scotland but obviously you only want to go where you feel welcome.
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Lee you are welcome up here.
You can continue to have even more great times.
Scotland is head and shoulders better than any other part of the UK for wild camping.
All I would say is due to covid just be careful.
I won't be doing much wild camping this year, and when I do it will be well away from towns and villages.
But once this covid is over things will soon get back to normal.
 
Having lived and farmed in Scotland for many years before moving abroad I find it very sad that the councils are trying to ban wild camping, in my opinion it is one of the most beautiful places to visit and visitors should be encouraged.When we lived there we always spent our holidays touring the highlands and usually wild camped purely because we prefer peace and quiet,often picking up other people’s litter before parking and checking before leaving that the only sign of having been there was tyre marks.The other thing I am amazed at is the high cost of camp sites especially those run by the caravan club .
I am very lucky living in Portugal now as wild camping is excepted so long as you are sensible we have just spent two days at the beach parked on cliffs overlooking the sea completely free of charge and even had a wave from the G.N.R. as they drove past.
 
Topmast said:
Having lived and farmed in Scotland for many years before moving abroad I find it very sad that the councils are trying to ban wild camping, in my opinion it is one of the most beautiful places to visit and visitors should be encouraged.When we lived there we always spent our holidays touring the highlands and usually wild camped purely because we prefer peace and quiet,often picking up other people’s litter before parking and checking before leaving that the only sign of having been there was tyre marks.The other thing I am amazed at is the high cost of camp sites especially those run by the caravan club .
I am very lucky living in Portugal now as wild camping is excepted so long as you are sensible we have just spent two days at the beach parked on cliffs overlooking the sea completely free of charge and even had a wave from the G.N.R. as they drove past.
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Scotland is not trying to ban wild camping topmast. But we have to take notice of idiots like this. Because idiots like this have a habit of becoming councillors, who then listen to idiots like this. Right now Scotland surpasses any other part of the Uk for wild camping, and there is no reason why that will ever change. Currently we are spoilt for choice, and I see no reason why that will change.
 
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Hi there,

I'm in a rush this morning and haven't read all the thread but I wondered if it may be worthwhile me sending a copy of my 'Wild Camping With Children' booklet to this person?

IMO theres no doubt about it, a lot of kids have found these Pandemic times hard. Many have turned into square-eyed shadows of their former selves. Many have turned to online gaming. There is a *real world* out there where you can find your more authentic self and I firmly believe that includes children. This is essentially the basis of why I wrote this booklet!

I'm happy to send her one and try to find an address for the lady mentioned in the first post of this thread!

I would be immensely sad if such a WC ban movement gained momentum.
I have joined CAMPRA (sic?) but the thing is I probably wouldnt choose to use an aire, I wild camp in countryside car parks and nature reserves for a very good reason. How many people have wandered around a reserve and seen the gentle glow of glow worms in the grasses at night, heard the rustling of night creatures moving about and an old Brock (badger) emerging from bushes?! Its amazing, its *real*

Melissa
 
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