Welcomes and toilets are all very well but have you seen the state of the roads, my wee corner of the north has just said it would take 16 million to repair. They need to invest in infrastructure for locals and tourists alike. Its fine trademarking a route like nc500 and shipping people off on it from down south but we don't have the facilities to cope with it.
Hi Cameron, I hope you are keeping well. As you know, I am a resident of Invermoriston, a village on the shores of Loch Ness and the very busy A82 between Inverness and Fort William. I am well aware of the impact that the significantly increased presence of camper vans has had on our daily lives over the last few years, so much so that I must be honest and say that I have come to dread going out of the house in the summer months be it on foot, by bike or by car. The summer has become far too busy up here and the roads and facilities just cannot cope with the sheer number of cars, coaches and vans. As a consequence, accidents occur on an almost daily basis with roads blocked for hours necessitating 'mega-mile' diversions. But let me also say this ... I welcome visitors who take a sincere and genuine interest in the countryside and who go their way peacefully and who are considerate of the local people. Visitors should remember that many locals have no involvement in, nor have anything to gain from, the tourist industry but they still need to go about their daily business efficiently and effectively. However, I do object to those who arrive up here in motorhomes the size of double-decker buses, who do not know how to drive these vehicles on our narrow roads, who overnight on any available piece of unoccupied roadside and then dump their litter and human waste down the loch sides (believe me I have seen it all) ! To those who are planning to come to the Highlands this year then I hope the weather is kind and you enjoy this wonderful country. But .. please be considerate of the local people and their way of life, and please respect and follow the country code.
Thanks for this info. We were overwhelmed with day trippers before the 2nd lockdown leaving vast amounts litter for locals to clean up. It's not just some campervan users that litter. If you brought it with you, it's yours !Take it home
So good to hear that practical action is being taken to welcome people and provide facilities. Great to hear that local communities are at the heart of this. Totally agree that more visitors bring opportunity and employment. 👍👍👍
Cameron you should be the Minister for Tourism in Scotland it’s people like you that will only make it better for all of us, I’ve just got back from a holiday in Scotland and loved it will be going back next year for sure.
Scotland is a great asset to the tourist.Just respect the people and the wilderness.It has a lot to offer. Keep it that way for your Grandchildren.PICK UP YOUR RUBISH.You know.
Great video Cameron. Campervaning should be a great contributor the Scottish economy and an opportunity for us to showcase our beautiful country and world class access rights. New infrastructure is much needed but what is really needed is that all of us to treat the communities and landscape with respect and to act responsibly. Welcome to Scotland, shop locally and "leave no trace".
Excellent words again Cameron and great to see you getting involved to do what is right. Hopefully by the years end, the ‘dirty campers’ will reduce significantly and return to Benidorm and Blackpool for the 2022 season. Camper van sales will continue to rise and the measures outlined can only help all parties involved. I think you said in a previous video, that we should endeavour to buy local, which is my mantra when in the Highlands. I always buy the fantastic produce that is rarely available south of the border. Keep up the great work
Brilliant video mate ive been coming to scotland all my life from the north east and love the place used to live in montrose . Scotland is the best place for being outdoors everyone should do there bit to make sure its kept in the beautiful condition 👍
We travelled around Scotland last year in our van and most of the problems we saw were people in tents, enterprise Van's etc who obviously had no on board facilities. The road south of Braemar was absolutely overcome and looked more like a music festival. I do hope that those people return to foreign holidays and leave the beauty and wild of Scotland to visitors who love cherish care and respect it and its inhabitants. We have been visiting every year for over ten years and have never seen anything like it. We did manage to park well away from others and take away more rubbish than we brought. Thanks for a very positive and informative video.
Great initiative, perhaps incentivise pubs restaurants etc to allow overnight camping on their parking if taking meal ( dinner breakfast) with minimal facilities ( water only or toilet or waste disposal) or perhaps at small fee.
There's always some who are too 'lazy to carry their own rubbish out and it's not just motorhomers. I would hazard a guess that there is more rubbish left in lay-bys and off road area's by car drivers who visit an area do the picnic perhaps camp for the night in a cheap Argos tent then drive off and leave it all. It happens down here in Yorkshire too. Haven't been up to Scotland since before covid but I can honestly say that the only thing I may have left was tyre tracks. Its a beautiful country and too precious to be spoiled in any way.
It's a few people who spoil it for others ,just like at places like Glastonbury they leave their unwanted tents etc behind . How would they feel if they TURNED UP and the place looked like that !!
This was a really good and useful presentation. We love touring Scotland in our motorhome, but fully understand the negative issues that cause concern. It is refreshing for Cameron to be so positive about the future and hope that it works for all of those who take their responsibilities seriously.
Thank you for this encouraging news. As someone who tours Scotland in a campervan each summer I’ve been concerned about the welcome I’ll receive in future after all the bad press. Personally I’ve usually stayed at campsites, but occasionally have needed an overnight stop close to a planned lengthy walk. I try to buy as much as I can from local shops and cafes and visit local attractions. I have sometimes had problems parking due to large motorhomes taking all the space, eg on Skye, and sympathise with local residents who complain about this. I do hope that in future Motorhome hire companies encourage clients to book campsites as some of their advertising suggests that you can stay anywhere you want in Scotland. As you point out this is simply not true..
Never mind when things open up again, motorhomes and camper vans are still heading North, despite lockdown. With caravan and camping sites closed, one can only assume they're taking advantage of Scotland's Wild camping. You have to wonder how they are disposing of their toilet waste? It is also rather irresponsible of them to flaunt the rules, I certainly don't believe such behaviour should be encouraged. It's not as though they can support local businesses.
Thank you so much for the brilliant video..its our first year in our new motorhome and so looking forward to seeing your lovely and charming Scotland..we have been to a few close camping places and have tidying up other people's rubbish before we even started to sit down for a coffee..we hand on heart will respect your lovery Scotland..thank you x
I have decided not to travel to the Scotland this year, on the basis of what happened last year, but also the reality the masses will head there this year because of travel restrictions. I suspect the people who committed those unspeakable crimes in on your beautiful land are not representative of those of us who love using our campervans. I have a policy of dropping rubbish off at the right places, and managing the chemical toilet at the appropriate facilities - its not overly hard to achieve. It is good that you are taking proactive steps to make some of the issues easier, and providing more parking - lets hope the people who come behave, and manage their waste decently. I will see you in 2022.
im afraid you will not stop the filthy people i live near a74m and i walk most days and the roadside has new litter daily and it isnt just small it is full bags of eaten food cartons and beverages etc.a lot of it is truck drivers even discarded dirty underwear its absolutely disgusting and spoils our beautiful country. what can we do to stop it? dont think you can as some people just dont care plain and simple im afraid
I’ve been visiting the highlands for over 40 years and in all that time we shopped in local shop and left nothing behind but foot prints in the sand. I hope to visit for another 40 years!
Great video, which made me feel so optimistic about visiting this most gorgeous country this year, whether by motorbike or Van. Bikers also tend to have a negative reflection with many, and I'm sure some deserve it as in any group, but my parents (bikers) taught me from since I could walk, to leave no trace wherever you've been and my job was to scan the place we'd camped carefully for any traces of litter as a last goodbye to the spot we'd stayed at. I seem to constantly be collecting litter on my walk home as well these days, it makes me so sad to see how people just throw waste down, especially in natural sites where no one is easily able to pick it up - and why would you expect someone else to clear your mess up?? Will never get this, I can only hope for improvement and "lead by example".
Another great video Cameron. I have my own camper van but seriously nervous about venturing out post lockdown following all the the negative press. Ps, look at the lens and not the display 😉
Great video Cameron with some positive news. I first noted the lack of facilities since I first motor caravanned in the highlands in 1969. You really are an ambassador for the camper development of the highlands.
The difference between last year and all the other years is last year 99% of the campervans last year were British, tourists from mainland Europe stayed home, how do I know that? , easy, I live and work in Germany, I try to get over for a few weeks every year, last year we only managed 3 weeks in our campervan and during those 3 weeks between Hampshire and the highlands we saw 2 other campervans from outside the UK, we saw the mess the tourists left behind in the car parks and view points and on the lochsides, just take your rubbish with you!!, it's not that difficult, I love coming home to Scotland and Scotland does like and need tourists.
I must admit Cameron when I read the title of this video, I had a preconceived answer in my head. The locals rightly so wouldn’t want a repeat of last years dreadful mess left behind . However, with council plans proposed here I’m hopeful that preconceived views can definitely change for the good - plans for parking areas and other infrastructure gives me hope that communities will welcome motorhomes providing of course we all play our very important part in taking all our rubbish away and leave no trace, a principle which I have followed since my youth whilst exploring by mountain bike and camping - I just wish we had lightweight gear in those days!😂 Our Wee Country here in Scotland has so much beauty to offer, (just watch Cameron’s Roads Less Travelled) I want visitors from anywhere to come see and enjoy it and wish they lived here, but please - take away your rubbish and some memories - You are all Welcome 🏴👍
I live on the western isles and what you say about taking rubbish away, cleaning up after themselves and not causing the trouble We had last year. Now the islanders are not tolerant about MHs and it’s all down to those dirty campers not people like yourselves but you were outnumbered by them. It was terrible here so now if a campervan is seen there’s a lot of shaking of fists and rude signs, I don’t condone that but understand their anger. We had mhs blocking a cemetery and refusing to move for a funeral. Those are the ones that give decent campers a bad name. Too much wild camping, fires and damage to the machair. I’d like to see people back but things have got to change
It’s so sad that the ignorance and lack of respect and understanding that a few people exhibit puts the rest of us to shame. I make an albeit small effort to take away more rubbish - I have a small litter picker and spend a few minutes picking up the crap others feel free to leave. I do understand local anger but it needs to be known that it’s a small percentage that cause the anger. Please assure your neighbours, your friends, your local councils, it’s not all of us. I despise litter droppers and I’ll gladly name or shake them if I caught them, but, I just end up picking up their crap. See you soon Scotland, I’m looking forward to some responsible camping very soon.
@@omiac22 they don’t put you to shame, they put themselves to shame. I do what I can on the islands to tell them the vast majority of MH and campervan owners are decent tidy people but it’ll take time. There have been some horrible examples of ignorance and wanton idleness and filthy practices. Hopefully those people won’t come back to Scotland and attitudes will relax so bear with us
Well said Cameron. A rounded, grounded optimist approach to this issue. I love my camper-van and look forward to being welcomed and not vilified in the future when I go on trips throughout the highlands
That was simply brilliant and very informative. Thank you so much for putting the video together and for speaking strongly on behalf of the camper/motorhome community. All the very best, safe travels and take care. Tony and Claire.
This is positive news, sadly its lost its appeal somewhat now its so busy. What about the rock throwing locals who were threatening to burn vanners alive? are they still roaming the Higlands....We were up there in April 2019 and suffered both abuse and vandalism, and we stayed on sites and picked up other peoples crap!
You should not be surprised by the locals response when many beauty spots were strewn with campers garbage and feces etc, Loch Morlich and Loch Insh were particularly effected all last summer, it was disgusting. So if you are touring the Highlands this year do not be surprised if the welcome is not friendly.
@@alecgrant2261 I fear you will put the genuine considerate campers off and just be left with the clueless idiots in rented motorhomes that would normally go to Magaluf on a two week bender though. Don't think we'll be back, want a holiday not a war!
We are from Switzerland and during the last 8 years we spent 5 month in Scotland. We are passionate about hiking, climbing and photography. In the beginning we always stayed in B&Bs. Most recently we have been using a fully self-sufficient (TTT toilet) 6m camper. The reason was better flexibility and independence. So far we have always had a good experience with the people and learned to love the country. We respect the the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and therefore we never left even the slightest hint that we were in a place. After reading all the comments, we are now very unsettled. We were planning a 6 week stay next Nov./Dec. 21. After reading all the comments, we are now very unsettled. This development is a real pity and leaves us perplexed. Sorry for my English, I hope it’s understandable ;-)
Hi Markus. I honestly think it will be better around that time of the year. It won't be anywhere near as busy as the summer season. Some of us are understandably angry at the mess some campers leave but if u follow the rules then there will be no issues. U sound like a respectful camper owner/user so us Scots wouldn't have a problem with u being here. Hopefully u change ur mind and come over to continue ur adventure here.
I wonder what is going to happen from the 26th April re English/etc tourists. We are supposed to be going back into a levels system here, which, last time basically meant that non-essential travel to/from England was banned. I note emails from the Caravan club inviting everyone to book spots from 26th April no matter where they are from in the UK. Personally, I'd be happy not to travel to England this season, and to have our cake and eat it (!), but I think it would be better to apply the Scottish levels system to the whole of the UK when deciding where scots can visit and which English/Welsh/NI tourists are welcome. Hopefully, covid-levels will be so low this summer that it will become a moot point over time. NB: before folks shout, I am originally from England (Devon), however, if Scotland is going to stay in lockdown longer to get levels super-low then I would be rather disappointed to see the doors simply flung open. To me its either/or - mirror England's levels and open the border, or strive for lower levels and keep border closed. Eg, I wont be happy to remain in lockdown longer than England without benefits from it.
So glad I found your channel especially with this vlog , we are hoping to come to Scotland this year in our camper van , from the vlogs I have watch on YT regarding NC500 and just the highlands in general ; absolutely take onboard the do and don’t plus really excited on the developments you talk about . we have invested in a couple of litter pickers from Amazon and we will be sure to bring them with us !
I would love a camper van, but they have now overtaken caravans (excuse the pun) as the most hated vehicle on the road. Whilst there may be some responsible campervanners, I’m always amazed that the car park in the village where I live can have anything up to 20 - 25 camper vans per night so people seem quite happy to shell out up to £80,000 to buy their van, but they don’t want to spend £20 quid on a campsite. Go figure!!! I have also witnessed people disposing of their grey waste in said car park and seen evidence of chemical toilet disposal in other places. It’s all very well for Mr Colin Simpson to say that campervanners are welcome in the Highlands when it doesn’t affect where he lives. Last summer where I live there was some truly disgusting behaviour by tent based campers as well, who only seem interested in lighting a huge fire, getting drunk and walking away from the residue next day. Indeed, someone who remonstrated with some of them last year was stabbed for having the temerity to ask them to clean up after them. He was very lucky to survive. I’m sure mr McNeish is a very responsible camper, but I’m not convinced by airy and optimistic talk of investment in facilities, part time wardens etc. This is a problem which absolutely blights people’s lives who are affected by it.
Can you tell me where you can get an overnight camp with hook-up for £20? Well over £30 is quite normal now and one or two campsites are asking for up to £50 a night. Blatant profiteering. Incidentally, my reports of new aires and overnight stopovers were not "airy optimism". I am a journalist by trade and these were facts. And incidentally, do you know where Colin Simpson lives? If you don't please refrain from making assumptions as to how he is affected or not by campervanners. That's the difference between you and me. I report on the facts.
@@CameronMcNeishOutdoors Why don’t you try having a drive round any of the large lochs (eg Loch Earn, Loch Tummel and Loch Rannoch) which are outwith the national park, anytime over a holiday weekend in the summer or better still on a Tuesday morning when they’ve all gone home and see the filth and mess left behind and try reporting on these facts. How about asking the people who live on the NC 500 on how their lives are blighted by campers and campervanners and reporting on these facts. Whilst you are about it , perhaps you can enlighten me as to where all those new facilities are going to be, because unless you are going to turn the highlands of Scotland into a giant caravan park, any money will be a drop in the ocean because the problem is huge. The argument that it’s only a few people who are causing the problem, simply does not wash, it seems to me that responsible campers and caravanners are now in the minority and I stand by my statement about getting drunk and lighting fires often cutting down living trees in the process.
Great advice Cameron, Scotland is indeed our treasure and we can all enjoy its wonders. Let's do our part to keep it that way. If we don't we will play into the hands of those that don't want us "all" to enjoy it. We often forget how disruptive we must be to locals. We are a solution, not a problem.
Good to hear of these proposed developments. And relieved that the authorities are taking a positive view of campervans and motorhomes. The established campsites have nothing to fear from additional facilities. The creation of the NC 500 has led to a huge upsurge in demand for camping spaces, toilets. Water points and waste disposal facilities. We are planning to take our Autocruise campervan on a 2 to 3 week tour round the north west in June. The problem is - many other staycationers are likely to have the same idea.
Thanks for this. Very informative. I've live in Edinburgh and have had a campervan over a decade now. I must admit we have tended to head South in it more often than not. The dearth of official/fun/pleasant campsites in Scotland is a great tragedy. I put it down to a need for land reform. There is no way an entrepreneur could acquire an attractive piece of land to set up a campsite. Property is sold in tiny plots in crofting communities or massive estates. There is clearly big demand and a great deal of resource so why isn't the market being allowed to meet that demand? Lesley Riddoch's "Huts" book is a good read on the subject, comparing us to our Scandinavian neighbours. Let's hope that this is a turning point and we get some good basic campsites, away from main roads, without a thousand static caravans or too much "added value".
Great video! I really do hope people take notice!... It was completely embarrassing walking into anywhere with an English accent in Scotland by the end of last summer. The state of the highlands was absolutely disgusting, from abandoned tents on the mountains to human turds in every layby. The council had to go around and leave a trowel and a sign in every layby so people would at least bury it... all the trowels got stolen. Unfortunately the people who leave such mess are a breed of sub-human that will never change because they have no respect at all for anything. Its sad to say, because the decent people who have enjoyed and respected Scotland for years will miss out, but if laws aren't changed and restrictions brought in to stop it, then the most beautiful country in the world will be tuned into a complete s**t hole. Like the majority of the UK already has been.
Thank you, thank you Mr. McNeish for standing up for camper van drivers. Covid has done us a disservice because there have been many people who have rented RVs and rushed to the sites with disregard for the rules, the people and the places. The most numerous incivilities are not due to a single category of tourists. In France we have also had the same problem with extreme reactions to ban motorhomes in certain places. I hope that spaces will be developed and above all that people will become aware of their environment and that it deserves respect. I look forward to coming back and discovering more of the riches of your beautiful Scotland.
I have to say i agree. Ive seen glen etive didnt see a single camper van but every passing place with parked cars and people camping. The worst part was leaving and seeing all the rubbish they are leaving. So much for leave no trace. There needs to be better infrastructures for camping and caravans areas all over scotland.
Scotland councils could Publicise Phone Apps that inform of legal overnight camping options, and might allow people to earn some money to stay overnight.
Cameron, thankyou for sharing that great news regarding the upcoming additional facilities around Scotland. We will certainly try to take away more rubbish than what we bring. Sadly, a lot of todays society have lost their way in understanding the basics of how damaging rubbish is and what it affects. Excellent vlog 👌
The trouble is that almost 💯% of people that leave litter, will always leave litter no matter what facilities are in place. I tend to keep well away from caravans or campervans wherever I see them parked, simply because I prefer to remain in the wilder regions away from other people or crowds. That ultimatelty means that there are zero facilities or even bins for miles. But it takes little effort to maintain respect for the environment, and to 'leave without a trace'. Sadly there is a growing population of parents and youngsters that have never been taught respect or to avoid leaving litter. Only a few hours ago I parked off a muddy track next to a forest, then walked over a small ridge, only to be dismayed at the sight of a huge pile of McDonalds food containers and plastic junk that had been chucked in the bushes...undoubtedly from the same family of vehicle occupants! I have no doubts that as soon as people are allowed freedom to roam (and who can blame them after being unlawfully locked up like rats in their own homes for over a year), then the hills will be filled like swarms of lemmings, leaving a wave of rubbish in their wake.
I live in Cornwall, we saw a similar influx of camper vans. I think the issue is lack of facilities, parking is plentiful and legislation is weak. Pay for 24 hour parking but no overnight camping! no bins, no bogs. We want your money but we don't want you etc. You will always get irresponsible people no matter where you live, we should at least give people a chance to act properly.
Thanks for that very balanced assessment , enjoyed the content it added real real to the discussion. We love Scotland and the Scots and plan to responsibly visit this year but very much want to respect the communities we visit. First of your videos we have watched , we have subscribed and look forward to more. Kind regards from Norfolk . Martin& Helen.
Hi Laura, Certainly July and August are the worst months for midges but they needn't spoil your holiday. Use a good repellent and you'll find the higher up the hill you walk the chances of encountering midges become less. If you really don't want to face the dreaded midge then late September and October can be quite beautiful.
I've just removed that wee section Lynn. Easier than changing the spelling believe it or not. I suspect the mistake was mine, rather than the Council's.
I wish you and the responsible campervan community well in these efforts. My husband and I have been visiting Scotland from Canada every few years since 2006. On our last trip in 2017 we noticed a marked increase in campervan travelers. Some of these vans oversized for the single track roadways - and most of these drivers did not know the ins and outs of managing these narrow roads. One of these drivers actually wouldn't wait for us to pull right off (surprise encounter around a corner) so we could let them by. They bullied their way through scraping the side of our rental vehicle (a small one) and not even stopping to check on the damage. Geez. This was on the Isle of Mull when we were visiting there. We also noticed so many just pulling off the road anywhere, tearing up lochside wet lowlands and invading privacy seemingly without consideration. I have a huge worry that the right to roam legislation will not exist in time because there's just too many people and the residents will get fed up with it all. I agree that there needs to be more and better services for campervans - but only as much as the communities can accommodate. Another reason we have found for the increase in visitors to Scotland is the hugely popular TV series "Outlander". At least here in North America it is inspiring fans to travel to Scotland. Not a bad thing - but the numbers need to be managed. Tourism is a double edged sword as us Canadians have discovered. Be careful what you wish for. All the best.
I think we are well aware of the problems associated with over-tourism Jo, that's why so many of us are actively trying to create a better tourist infrastructure, an infrastructure that simply didn't exist before. The problems of people staying in the UK for holidays because of Covid has highlighted this lack. Also more and more people are investing in campervans because they are much more Covid-safe and the cost of hotel accommodation has become prohibitive. Not so many Americans coming here at gthe moment, also because of Covid restrictions. The rural areas of Scotland depend on tourism but we have to find a better way of dealing with it. I'm sure many of the issues will vanish once we reach a more normal way of living but in the meantime the Scottish Government is working closely with local councils to improve things for all.
The reason people are pushing out into the wilder parts of our great lands is over crowding. If every beach and country park wasn't over run by "normies" I wouldn't have to go up high or more remote.
Improved facilities.? How about a proper rest area on the A9 with toilets and food available. I’ve lost count of the number of times I see folk pissing at the side of the road on my jaunts up and down this road. I know this is a deliberate ploy to get people into the local towns and villages but we really need to address this for safety reasons for a start.
Drive off the A9 for 2 minutes at Dunkeld, Pitlochry, Blair, Bruar, Dalwhinnie, Newtonmore, Kingussue, Aviemore, Carrbridge, Tomatin and you'll find most facilities you'll need. However, because of the pandemic most cafes, toilets are closed. "Rest areas" would likely be closed to under present circumstances.
Cameron Awesome Video, Scotland has it all And if we support Scotland it can grow, Be it the remote communities or the larger Stores along the way give pleasure seekers the full on service, If we support Scotland Scotland can support us, At the start of last year I bought a Camper so I could head up to Scotland and because of the lockdown I had to put it all on hold but I will get there as soon as the UK is all on the same page, Respect It or lose it people.
Near where I live is a well know where place where motorcyclists visit, on one visit we was talking to the guy who keeps the place clean and tidy. He told us that one local councilor was looking to ban motorcycles from that area as they always leave a mess. This chap however invited this person to come with him one morning on his daily clean up round. Where all the motorcyclists park all the bins were full and the area was clean , however when he took him to the car park, the bins were full and over flowing, rubbish thrown and blown everywhere, even sold nappies . He even showed him where visitors had actually used certain areas as toilets. After this the local councilor dropped the idea about banning motorcyclists . So its not fair to use the blame game for stopping certain peoples leisure time. It not always who you like to think its is.
Fingers crossed this investment is carried out and used correctly. We look forward to visiting the highlands again as we haven’t been since the month before lockdown 1 took place 🤞🏼
Great well timed video as we intend to hopefully visit in autumn . Facilities that are available for an extended season would be great . We visited NZ for 8 weeks and rented a van . Their basic forestry sites were a brilliant idea . Turn up , fill in form and drop it in box with cash , apps could also be used if signal ok. Wardens would check but mainly relied on honesty . I feel the 2 big caravan clubs are missing the point , we don't all want to stay on regimented sites listening to other peoples tv's and dogs barking . Vince
I wouldn't rely on getting peace in the middle of nowhere! There were so many camper vans last year parked up near to the local village with radio's/tv's blaring, dumping litter, blocking access etc. The police attended a few times. So don't be surprised if locals don't welcome you with open arms.
@@MrsGraphiteGal We don't park near villages , nor have a radio or tv , we pick up litter if we can . Most camper users are NOT as you describe in our experience .
@@vincezielinski2784 sadly the one's I've come across in recent years are. I was a MH user for 10 years in the late 80's & early 90's and I've seen a massive change in the types of people using them and their attitude. Not saying all are but there's certainly an increasing number ,not just during the pandemic either.
Cameron, thanks for a balanced little vid, Ive subscribed and will be back, Im up and around the Highlands often and always in Spring or Autumn in my 110 conversion to avoid your midges and crowds..Out of site out of mind..is my motto on tour.
You will get a welcome in The Highlands. I'm from there. However Just a couple points. I heard a lot of poison being thrown around by the usual suspects. "English coming up here making a mess". Also the Shame of the fanatics standing on the border "English get out". Well I'm from the Highlands and yes there was a lot of mess and human waste left. But ld like to point out that it was mostly Scottish campers that were the biggest culprits. Sadly nationlisim up here is becoming pure poison. It's very sad
If I walk down any road in Fife it’s a carpet of trash for 100’s of miles. Every lay-by or farm gate is fly tipped . The Westfield power station has half an acre of fly tipping..... Seen it all over Scotland and I can tell you it ain’t tourists or incomers. Sadly in the central belt the locals are as bad if not worse. At hound point NQ a drink and drugs party left tents and a heap of other trash behind. The scumbags are many .... perhaps the fingers pointing out should know the three fingers that point back are as bad.
What`s the score with lockdown,in Tarbert this morning there was six MH`s parked at the harbour,i am a MH owner and have not been able to travel for over a year,and your hear many differant accents in the co-op.
My motorhome is my sole vehicle, but its not been outwith Stirlingshire since lockdown, and not been slept in since the 26th Dec when the latest L4 started. Could be that some of the folks you see are in their sole vehicle or could be that they simply don't care about anyone else...
Great wee informative vid. As a local to Moray I know its a minority on both sides creating angst. Media ramped up that bad feeling and local social media groups moan about everything, not just campers vans. I am not a van owner but have been a resident of NZ and travelled the country with one, experiencing what a good infrastructure can provide. There are a minority of problem makers there too but there always will be just as there are fly tippers etc. Hopefully when covid has eased and people get used to welcoming rather than being wary of tourists things will calm down and everyone can see the benefits of people sharing beautiful places.
Thanks Cameron, very timely and balanced as usual. I am Scottish but can't live there just now but even I am having some anxiety about using my campervan up there this this year if it ever becomes possible. Covid has given an excuse for some factions to rear their xenophobic and bigoted opinions on social media but, as usual, the truth lies in the middle. I always shop and fuel local even if it means paying thruppence h'appeny more than the local Tesco or Aldi and I'm sure many more do as well (do all locals?). Litter, sadly, is a problem wherever you travel and again, as much caused by local visitors as those from further afield. Of course there is a bigger issue as more people discover Scotland, you can look to the Lakes and Peaks to see it right now. Infrastructure and management are key. Don't make the same mistakes up there. Oh, and if you really want to ban campervans/motorhomes/wild camping, just forget Independence as you'll just have the same outlook as England anyway!
Sense, sense and more sense. I love Scotland and 99% of its residents. I love travelling with my caravan and Motorhome and I love 90% of my fellow travelers, says it all really. Be respectful at all times.
I and my Family are hoping that were we normally spend our Summer Holiday are open this year. As they weren't open last year we took the step of not travelling to Scotland's Isles as we didn't want to feel that we were a problem for the Locals or not wanting to be unwelcome. So we will do what we did last year and use the site we want to stay on as Litmus test for local feelings. I am hoping that it will be all systems go this year as we have had withdrawal symptoms, and are longing to enjoy the West Coast of Scotland once more. Just not the NC500 bit as that is one for many years down the road when we can go when its nice and quite.
Camping and Camper vanning in my honest opinion is an opportunity for business growth in Scotland, and it is something that is being overlooked by the highlands commission, there are many struggling crofters that could benefit by laying some land aside, provide a source of clean running water, an eco-bin collection skip and charge a couple of pounds per night for the masses, many campers dont really like the big organized camp sites, but crofters could provide something that many campers would prefer, low density camping, so that they feel that they are experiencing the wild. For sure if I were a crofter, I would set up for camping , id lay on running water via a simple stand-pipe with a tap, I might even consider a double shower shed, no need to lay on water, just somewhere clean and private for campers to hook up their solar heated shower bags , Id have a regular supply of camp fire wood ready for sale, and aa freezer full of bacon and sausages and a bit of highland salmon, and highland venison, a friendly approach and I think there would be a good income to be earned, which could be reinvested to offer other small services like hiring of bikes for the day, and getting some of the local community involved too, fishing trips, days out on the hills with a real shepherd offering an experience of rural scottish highland life, and I believe many more crofters in the area would start to offer such services. The Scottish Highland people are really very friendly all they want is respect, which costs nothing to give, and they all have a story to tell that will keep you rivetted to your seat, and a merging of interests in this way would be a win/win situation, campers get the thrill of an adventurous holiday, and they get to interact with some wonderful people and learn from them.
It’s a great idea but it wouldn’t work on the islands yet, too much damage was done to the relationship between islanders and campers, I’m positive in time that will improve but we will have to wait and see. Many Croft’s are still worked so they wouldn’t want MHs etc it’s different to the mainland. At the height of all this my friend was coming over in her MH and I quickly realised from what was being said it was a bad idea. Not one I’d like to repeat . The success of having a MH saw the islands inundated with them so much so that islanders couldn’t use the ferries at times because they were literally full of MHs , ferry after ferry was. Like that but once foreign holidays start again hopefully things will go back to normal hopefully. People who stayed on sites didn’t get the hassle the ones who wild camped got not by a long way
@@53nellie it's understandable, I think i would feel the same, but with a bit of support from the highlands commission with regular visits, I'm sure that one crofters would be willing to give it a try, and then if successful that story can be shared with other crofters, it's a crying shame to see the crofts dwindle in the way they have, and this would just be like bringing the bothie experience into the croft
@@53nellie hows this for an idea, because I do understand what your saying about the mobile homes, it should be made a rule of thumb that ferry operators give priority to locals, because its only fair, and to do this, all they have to do is create one line for locals, and they can have a sticker or pass visible in the front windscreen of the vehicle, its not like local traffic would fill a ferry right? and Im sure the mobile home owners would understand a slight delay, after all its not like the islands are going to move over night, I think with the right kind of support, this could turn into quite a thriving industry that will give much needed financial supplement to the crofters, and, the highland commission could publish a brochure with all the participating crofts listed clearly and charge a fee for the book which is then used to push funds back into the crofting communities to continue with support. I have so many ideas for developing this into a game changer for the crofting communities, its something Ive been giving a lot of thought to as I come towards retirement age, I for one would put myself behind this.
@@garymilnes4851 I hear what you’re saying but here on the islands the infrastructure isn’t there to cope with that many big MHs. The crofters for the most part aren’t interested having had bad experiences of MHs and like it or not the news goes round very quickly here. They like their way of life and don’t want a thriving industry in regards to MHs. It’s a very different way of life to the mainland. They have done Aires in places and disposal points but it’s mainly business owners understandably who want lots of tourists. Tourism is good for all but it’s getting to the stage where there’s far too many MHs coming over now. When my partner is hours late getting home because they hold him up it gets annoying. Education is what’s needed big time because rules were broken time and time again so the islanders literally had enough. When it was suggested that the islanders should have priority on the ferry after lockdown to see relatives on the mainland the reaction from tourists was appaulling I never want to experience that again. The abuse and insults were awful but basically saying that they should have priority because they put money into the island and we should be grateful. That had soured the situation plus all the damage done with staycations. It’s going to take a long time for things to get back to what they were. Believe me there’s been some horrible instances that I won’t go into here. They don’t want a thriving industry if it involves hundreds of MHs. There’s too many now. We have campsites but many prefer “wild camping” but that’s where it went wrong. A lot want it free or the nicer ones want them quiet but the amount of damage that was done to the ecosystem was huge. At the end of the day the islanders don’t want them now after all that but that’ll change given time as long as we don’t get those dirty campers back.
@@53nellie Perhaps for the islands, it would make sense to put a quota in place for the number of motor homes at any one time, this is something that the ferry companies could help with, as they know exactly how many get on and off the ferries, I was not aware of the problems regarding the priorities given to islanders before, and its shameful that such people would even voice an opinion, but right now the islanders are suffering because there is no actual control, and this must change, the Scottish Islands and Highlands are the pride of the country and should be respected, what we are doing here on youtube is what should be done in reality, dialogue, with an understanding that both sides have got to show a little give and take, but the main goal is to protect these places for generations to come so that they too can enjoy the beauty of Scotland, and I think the government should play a part and bring together all the associations, and community representatives to begin talks, Getting this right could actually help with funding for the essentials that you speak of, education especially, I know there has been a huge drive in scotland to try and bring the crofting communities back to life, but if the children can get adequate education in their own communities, nothing will work, because the children that get educated away from home, will inevitably wander away from home for work and a stable footing to start their own families, all these initiatives and commissions, and associations, are more than likely not communicating with each other, and by the sounds of your frustrations, they certainly arent communicating with you guys whos lives are being effected I hope it changes, and I hope that wounds are healed, and I hope the tourists learn some manners and show more respect in future. Its nice to have this exchange with you @53nellie, I will continue to enjoy the scottish highlands and Islands when I return back to the UK to retire, and I will continue to show respect to those living there, I brought my family back to the UK of their first visit, I didnt take them to my home town, we headed straight to the Ardnamurchan point and had the best holiday ever. this is how important the Scottish islands and Highlands are to me, and now to my family also.
Well said, long has the rubbish left behind been blamed on motorhomers, anyone who has visited Loch Lomond on the May bank holiday will know it is day trippers who leave the most rubbish and abandon cheap camping gear.
Simon I feel your pain it was very said to see the poor actions of others, hopefully we don’t see this moving forward. And all get out to soon and enjoy 2021 safely and leaving no trace behind 👍
Many thanks for this information. My wife loves her little RomaHome and Scotland. In 2020 she did the NC 500 and hopes to return this summer. I am sending her a link to this video. Regards Michael
Campsite operators are very well placed to provide their own alternative 'aires' in fact in France, quite a few Aires are operated by campsite owners, located at the entrance of the campsite, with access only to dump waste, and obtain fresh water, eg for a rather lower fee than the fully fledged campsite might charge. Site owners need to realise that the needs of campervans/motorhomes is different to that of tent and caravan holidaymakers, and offer a stop-over that's fit for purpose at the right price. At the moment, campsite owners are missing out on this source of income - mostly out of fear of change and simple bloody-mindedness! Positive steps anyway, so that's good!
Existing campsites should remember the business saying '' competition is good for business ''. The more people come the more they will stay, and of course the now famous saying - '' Build it and they will come '' I wish Scotland all success in this venture.
Thank you for that very informative heads up ! Indeed some campsites will moan, but I personally was met with a barrage of "no sorry we are full" replies from site owners albeit friendly. Plus of course not everyone likes campsites, I am one of them but I always leave a site better than I found it whether camping or parking my camper van... Scotland has much to offer as does the tourist to Scotland. So please all be respectful to man and land.
Not enough expenditure planned- but don’t forget that post Brexit, the sheep farmers will need to diversify. Grants to build leisure parks and aires on land currently used for livestock? How about doing for Cape Wrath what Natural Retreats did for John O Groats? And if you plan to do the route, read my novel Malbister - currently available on Amazon which gives a heads up to great places to eat on the NC500
One of the problems that I see with motor-homes is that some people use casual parking places as camp sites. For example, they might arrive in the early morning and stay a couple of days. In the town where I live (in North Wales) one one bank holiday weekend we had 6 vans/motor-homes parked on rough land by the lake, all of which had started their own individual fires. I would suggest that one way to not annoy the locals is that the more casual places to park have a code that says "arrive late and leave early, and don't treat it as a camp site". The Aires are a bit different, but but the vast majority in Europe do not allow camping behavior. If people want to do camping activities then they should stay on a campsite, otherwise they should be as discreet as possible.
Hi from New Zealand we have the issues here, but CV19 has helped as, they now wont us to visit. You can now park where you would of got a fine last year. The small towns are now happy to have our funds spent on there town. we have over 130,000 list over seas campers.
one of the biggest problems is most campervaners dont want to stay on sites as they have to pay..they would rather park up in laybys and woods ect for free .the mess in the highlands last year was unreal..rubbish and shit everywhere..and loads of campers blocking field gates.road ends ect.....saor.alba
Judging by the prices some camp site operators are charging I can't blame them. Would you believe one site in Arisaig was asking £50 a pitch? This is a very real part of the problem. Blair Atholl camp site is charging £25 to empty a toilet cassette. This is blatant profiteering and needs to be stamped out.
Leave no trace.....that pretty much sums up respectful camping by whatever mode.
It's a simple concept.
Yes why go to a beautiful scenic location and then drop your rubbish there. It's madness.
Welcomes and toilets are all very well but have you seen the state of the roads, my wee corner of the north has just said it would take 16 million to repair. They need to invest in infrastructure for locals and tourists alike. Its fine trademarking a route like nc500 and shipping people off on it from down south but we don't have the facilities to cope with it.
@@garysmith5025 Totally agree with both of you. The NC500 has created most of the current problems.
These days unfortunately there are people who have no respect for anyone or any place, it is a decline in pride in our great nation
Hi Cameron, I hope you are keeping well. As you know, I am a resident of Invermoriston, a village on the shores of Loch Ness and the very busy A82 between Inverness and Fort William. I am well aware of the impact that the significantly increased presence of camper vans has had on our daily lives over the last few years, so much so that I must be honest and say that I have come to dread going out of the house in the summer months be it on foot, by bike or by car. The summer has become far too busy up here and the roads and facilities just cannot cope with the sheer number of cars, coaches and vans. As a consequence, accidents occur on an almost daily basis with roads blocked for hours necessitating 'mega-mile' diversions.
But let me also say this ... I welcome visitors who take a sincere and genuine interest in the countryside and who go their way peacefully and who are considerate of the local people. Visitors should remember that many locals have no involvement in, nor have anything to gain from, the tourist industry but they still need to go about their daily business efficiently and effectively. However, I do object to those who arrive up here in motorhomes the size of double-decker buses, who do not know how to drive these vehicles on our narrow roads, who overnight on any available piece of unoccupied roadside and then dump their litter and human waste down the loch sides (believe me I have seen it all) !
To those who are planning to come to the Highlands this year then I hope the weather is kind and you enjoy this wonderful country. But .. please be considerate of the local people and their way of life, and please respect and follow the country code.
Agree with all of that Ian. Hope you're good
Thanks for this info. We were overwhelmed with day trippers before the 2nd lockdown leaving vast amounts litter for locals to clean up. It's not just some campervan users that litter. If you brought it with you, it's yours !Take it home
So good to hear that practical action is being taken to welcome people and provide facilities. Great to hear that local communities are at the heart of this. Totally agree that more visitors bring opportunity and employment. 👍👍👍
Wow, such a great pod cast and very informative, thank you.
Very encouraging. Thank you Cameron.
Cameron you should be the Minister for Tourism in Scotland it’s people like you that will only make it better for all of us, I’ve just got back from a holiday in Scotland and loved it will be going back next year for sure.
Great to see such a positive attitude. Buy fuel and groceries daily in the community where you stay and always leave it cleaner than you found it.
Scotland is a great asset to the tourist.Just respect the people and the wilderness.It has a lot to offer. Keep it that way for your Grandchildren.PICK UP YOUR RUBISH.You know.
Great video Cameron. Campervaning should be a great contributor the Scottish economy and an opportunity for us to showcase our beautiful country and world class access rights. New infrastructure is much needed but what is really needed is that all of us to treat the communities and landscape with respect and to act responsibly. Welcome to Scotland, shop locally and "leave no trace".
Excellent words again Cameron and great to see you getting involved to do what is right. Hopefully by the years end, the ‘dirty campers’ will reduce significantly and return to Benidorm and Blackpool for the 2022 season. Camper van sales will continue to rise and the measures outlined can only help all parties involved. I think you said in a previous video, that we should endeavour to buy local, which is my mantra when in the Highlands. I always buy the fantastic produce that is rarely available south of the border. Keep up the great work
Homegrown, Fresh , Real Food!
Brilliant video mate ive been coming to scotland all my life from the north east and love the place used to live in montrose . Scotland is the best place for being outdoors everyone should do there bit to make sure its kept in the beautiful condition 👍
We travelled around Scotland last year in our van and most of the problems we saw were people in tents, enterprise Van's etc who obviously had no on board facilities. The road south of Braemar was absolutely overcome and looked more like a music festival. I do hope that those people return to foreign holidays and leave the beauty and wild of Scotland to visitors who love cherish care and respect it and its inhabitants. We have been visiting every year for over ten years and have never seen anything like it. We did manage to park well away from others and take away more rubbish than we brought.
Thanks for a very positive and informative video.
Great initiative, perhaps incentivise pubs restaurants etc to allow overnight camping on their parking if taking meal ( dinner breakfast) with minimal facilities ( water only or toilet or waste disposal) or perhaps at small fee.
Golf clubs too , their car parks are often large and empty overnight and the food is usually fab as are their golf courses 👍
There's always some who are too 'lazy to carry their own rubbish out and it's not just motorhomers. I would hazard a guess that there is more rubbish left in lay-bys and off road area's by car drivers who visit an area do the picnic perhaps camp for the night in a cheap Argos tent then drive off and leave it all. It happens down here in Yorkshire too.
Haven't been up to Scotland since before covid but I can honestly say that the only thing I may have left was tyre tracks. Its a beautiful country and too precious to be spoiled in any way.
It's a few people who spoil it for others ,just like at places like Glastonbury they leave their unwanted tents etc behind . How would they feel if they TURNED UP and the place looked like that !!
This was a really good and useful presentation. We love touring Scotland in our motorhome, but fully understand the negative issues that cause concern. It is refreshing for Cameron to be so positive about the future and hope that it works for all of those who take their responsibilities seriously.
Great info and some good news moving on in to 2021 for us Travellers stay in our lovey Country, defo leave no trace no mater where u go 👍
Thank you for this encouraging news. As someone who tours Scotland in a campervan each summer I’ve been concerned about the welcome I’ll receive in future after all the bad press. Personally I’ve usually stayed at campsites, but occasionally have needed an overnight stop close to a planned lengthy walk. I try to buy as much as I can from local shops and cafes and visit local attractions. I have sometimes had problems parking due to large motorhomes taking all the space, eg on Skye, and sympathise with local residents who complain about this. I do hope that in future Motorhome hire companies encourage clients to book campsites as some of their advertising suggests that you can stay anywhere you want in Scotland. As you point out this is simply not true..
Never mind when things open up again, motorhomes and camper vans are still heading North, despite lockdown. With caravan and camping sites closed, one can only assume they're taking advantage of Scotland's Wild camping. You have to wonder how they are disposing of their toilet waste? It is also rather irresponsible of them to flaunt the rules, I certainly don't believe such behaviour should be encouraged. It's not as though they can support local businesses.
I'm not sure anyone is encouraging this Michael bit you'll always find folk who think they are above the law.
Thank you so much for the brilliant video..its our first year in our new motorhome and so looking forward to seeing your lovely and charming Scotland..we have been to a few close camping places and have
tidying up other people's rubbish before we even started to sit down for a coffee..we hand on heart will respect your lovery Scotland..thank you x
Such a positive vlog, your message sounds welcoming with a lot of common sense too! We’re looking forward to coming to Scotland again, thank you 👍
I have decided not to travel to the Scotland this year, on the basis of what happened last year, but also the reality the masses will head there this year because of travel restrictions. I suspect the people who committed those unspeakable crimes in on your beautiful land are not representative of those of us who love using our campervans.
I have a policy of dropping rubbish off at the right places, and managing the chemical toilet at the appropriate facilities - its not overly hard to achieve.
It is good that you are taking proactive steps to make some of the issues easier, and providing more parking - lets hope the people who come behave, and manage their waste decently.
I will see you in 2022.
im afraid you will not stop the filthy people i live near a74m and i walk most days and the roadside has new litter daily and it isnt just small it is full bags of eaten food cartons and beverages etc.a lot of it is truck drivers even discarded dirty underwear its absolutely disgusting and spoils our beautiful country. what can we do to stop it? dont think you can as some people just dont care plain and simple im afraid
Excellent Cameron, thanks for the update. I hope some of the lowland councils also adopt a positive approach. ATB, Dave Outdoors Scotland
I’ve been visiting the highlands for over 40 years and in all that time we shopped in local shop and left nothing behind but foot prints in the sand. I hope to visit for another 40 years!
Great video, which made me feel so optimistic about visiting this most gorgeous country this year, whether by motorbike or Van. Bikers also tend to have a negative reflection with many, and I'm sure some deserve it as in any group, but my parents (bikers) taught me from since I could walk, to leave no trace wherever you've been and my job was to scan the place we'd camped carefully for any traces of litter as a last goodbye to the spot we'd stayed at. I seem to constantly be collecting litter on my walk home as well these days, it makes me so sad to see how people just throw waste down, especially in natural sites where no one is easily able to pick it up - and why would you expect someone else to clear your mess up?? Will never get this, I can only hope for improvement and "lead by example".
Another great video Cameron. I have my own camper van but seriously nervous about venturing out post lockdown following all the the negative press.
Ps, look at the lens and not the display 😉
Thanks for all you do Cameron. Feeling more optimistic about feeling welcomed on my Campervan trips in my home country when safe to do so.
I’ll be happy to return to Scotland again , had a great time last year
Great video Cameron with some positive news. I first noted the lack of facilities since I first motor caravanned in the highlands in 1969. You really are an ambassador for the camper development of the highlands.
The difference between last year and all the other years is last year 99% of the campervans last year were British, tourists from mainland Europe stayed home, how do I know that? , easy, I live and work in Germany, I try to get over for a few weeks every year, last year we only managed 3 weeks in our campervan and during those 3 weeks between Hampshire and the highlands we saw 2 other campervans from outside the UK, we saw the mess the tourists left behind in the car parks and view points and on the lochsides, just take your rubbish with you!!, it's not that difficult, I love coming home to Scotland and Scotland does like and need tourists.
I must admit Cameron when I read the title of this video, I had a preconceived answer in my head. The locals rightly so wouldn’t want a repeat of last years dreadful mess left behind . However, with council plans proposed here I’m hopeful that preconceived views can definitely change for the good - plans for parking areas and other infrastructure gives me hope that communities will welcome motorhomes providing of course we all play our very important part in taking all our rubbish away and leave no trace, a principle which I have followed since my youth whilst exploring by mountain bike and camping - I just wish we had lightweight gear in those days!😂 Our Wee Country here in Scotland has so much beauty to offer, (just watch Cameron’s Roads Less Travelled) I want visitors from anywhere to come see and enjoy it and wish they lived here, but please - take away your rubbish and some memories - You are all Welcome 🏴👍
I live on the western isles and what you say about taking rubbish away, cleaning up after themselves and not causing the trouble We had last year. Now the islanders are not tolerant about MHs and it’s all down to those dirty campers not people like yourselves but you were outnumbered by them. It was terrible here so now if a campervan is seen there’s a lot of shaking of fists and rude signs, I don’t condone that but understand their anger. We had mhs blocking a cemetery and refusing to move for a funeral. Those are the ones that give decent campers a bad name. Too much wild camping, fires and damage to the machair. I’d like to see people back but things have got to change
It’s so sad that the ignorance and lack of respect and understanding that a few people exhibit puts the rest of us to shame. I make an albeit small effort to take away more rubbish - I have a small litter picker and spend a few minutes picking up the crap others feel free to leave. I do understand local anger but it needs to be known that it’s a small percentage that cause the anger. Please assure your neighbours, your friends, your local councils, it’s not all of us. I despise litter droppers and I’ll gladly name or shake them if I caught them, but, I just end up picking up their crap. See you soon Scotland, I’m looking forward to some responsible camping very soon.
@@omiac22 they don’t put you to shame, they put themselves to shame. I do what I can on the islands to tell them the vast majority of MH and campervan owners are decent tidy people but it’ll take time. There have been some horrible examples of ignorance and wanton idleness and filthy practices. Hopefully those people won’t come back to Scotland and attitudes will relax so bear with us
Great professional level information , can’t wait to go back . Better orator than many politicians
Well said Cameron. A rounded, grounded optimist approach to this issue. I love my camper-van and look forward to being welcomed and not vilified in the future when I go on trips throughout the highlands
That was simply brilliant and very informative. Thank you so much for putting the video together and for speaking strongly on behalf of the camper/motorhome community.
All the very best, safe travels and take care. Tony and Claire.
Great Boy Scout advice. Leave the place better than you found it." It was always the other motto in our particular troop. It is called Respect.
Thanks Cameron for fighting our corner. We're not all clatty campers. Most of us are responsible. Keep up the good work ma' man.
This is positive news, sadly its lost its appeal somewhat now its so busy. What about the rock throwing locals who were threatening to burn vanners alive? are they still roaming the Higlands....We were up there in April 2019 and suffered both abuse and vandalism, and we stayed on sites and picked up other peoples crap!
You should not be surprised by the locals response when many beauty spots were strewn with campers garbage and feces etc, Loch Morlich and Loch Insh were particularly effected all last summer, it was disgusting. So if you are touring the Highlands this year do not be surprised if the welcome is not friendly.
@@alecgrant2261 I fear you will put the genuine considerate campers off and just be left with the clueless idiots in rented motorhomes that would normally go to Magaluf on a two week bender though. Don't think we'll be back, want a holiday not a war!
@@peskyparttimers8239 Sadly that is the type of Idiots we have on both sides.
We are from Switzerland and during the last 8 years we spent 5 month in Scotland. We are passionate about hiking, climbing and photography. In the beginning we always stayed in B&Bs. Most recently we have been using a fully self-sufficient (TTT toilet) 6m camper. The reason was better flexibility and independence.
So far we have always had a good experience with the people and learned to love the country. We respect the the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and therefore we never left even the slightest hint that we were in a place.
After reading all the comments, we are now very unsettled. We were planning a 6 week stay next Nov./Dec. 21. After reading all the comments, we are now very unsettled. This development is a real pity and leaves us perplexed.
Sorry for my English, I hope it’s understandable ;-)
Hi Markus. I honestly think it will be better around that time of the year. It won't be anywhere near as busy as the summer season. Some of us are understandably angry at the mess some campers leave but if u follow the rules then there will be no issues. U sound like a respectful camper owner/user so us Scots wouldn't have a problem with u being here. Hopefully u change ur mind and come over to continue ur adventure here.
I wonder what is going to happen from the 26th April re English/etc tourists. We are supposed to be going back into a levels system here, which, last time basically meant that non-essential travel to/from England was banned. I note emails from the Caravan club inviting everyone to book spots from 26th April no matter where they are from in the UK. Personally, I'd be happy not to travel to England this season, and to have our cake and eat it (!), but I think it would be better to apply the Scottish levels system to the whole of the UK when deciding where scots can visit and which English/Welsh/NI tourists are welcome. Hopefully, covid-levels will be so low this summer that it will become a moot point over time. NB: before folks shout, I am originally from England (Devon), however, if Scotland is going to stay in lockdown longer to get levels super-low then I would be rather disappointed to see the doors simply flung open. To me its either/or - mirror England's levels and open the border, or strive for lower levels and keep border closed. Eg, I wont be happy to remain in lockdown longer than England without benefits from it.
So glad I found your channel especially with this vlog , we are hoping to come to Scotland this year in our camper van , from the vlogs I have watch on YT regarding NC500 and just the highlands in general ; absolutely take onboard the do and don’t plus really excited on the developments you talk about . we have invested in a couple of litter pickers from Amazon and we will be sure to bring them with us !
It's sad to think that I would think twice about visiting a part of the UK but I would think twice about Scotland at the moment
Really saddened to hear that, especially with a name like yours!
@@CameronMcNeishOutdoors I know Cameron and I lived there for 10 years
Hello Cameron. You mentioned a guide to stop overs including Balmoral. Please could you post the name again. Thanks Sue
It's called Britstops. www.britstops.com
@@CameronMcNeishOutdoors thank you
Thank you Cameron, very informative as usual...Keep up the good work..Best wishes and stay safe.
I would love a camper van, but they have now overtaken caravans (excuse the pun) as the most hated vehicle on the road. Whilst there may be some responsible campervanners, I’m always amazed that the car park in the village where I live can have anything up to 20 - 25 camper vans per night so people seem quite happy to shell out up to £80,000 to buy their van, but they don’t want to spend £20 quid on a campsite. Go figure!!! I have also witnessed people disposing of their grey waste in said car park and seen evidence of chemical toilet disposal in other places. It’s all very well for Mr Colin Simpson to say that campervanners are welcome in the Highlands when it doesn’t affect where he lives. Last summer where I live there was some truly disgusting behaviour by tent based campers as well, who only seem interested in lighting a huge fire, getting drunk and walking away from the residue next day. Indeed, someone who remonstrated with some of them last year was stabbed for having the temerity to ask them to clean up after them. He was very lucky to survive. I’m sure mr McNeish is a very responsible camper, but I’m not convinced by airy and optimistic talk of investment in facilities, part time wardens etc. This is a problem which absolutely blights people’s lives who are affected by it.
Can you tell me where you can get an overnight camp with hook-up for £20? Well over £30 is quite normal now and one or two campsites are asking for up to £50 a night. Blatant profiteering. Incidentally, my reports of new aires and overnight stopovers were not "airy optimism". I am a journalist by trade and these were facts. And incidentally, do you know where Colin Simpson lives? If you don't please refrain from making assumptions as to how he is affected or not by campervanners. That's the difference between you and me. I report on the facts.
@@CameronMcNeishOutdoors
Why don’t you try having a drive round any of the large lochs (eg Loch Earn, Loch Tummel and Loch Rannoch) which are outwith the national park, anytime over a holiday weekend in the summer or better still on a Tuesday morning when they’ve all gone home and see the filth and mess left behind and try reporting on these facts. How about asking the people who live on the NC 500 on how their lives are blighted by campers and campervanners and reporting on these facts. Whilst you are about it , perhaps you can enlighten me as to where all those new facilities are going to be, because unless you are going to turn the highlands of Scotland into a giant caravan park, any money will be a drop in the ocean because the problem is huge. The argument that it’s only a few people who are causing the problem, simply does not wash, it seems to me that responsible campers and caravanners are now in the minority and I stand by my statement about getting drunk and lighting fires often cutting down living trees in the process.
Great advice Cameron, Scotland is indeed our treasure and we can all enjoy its wonders. Let's do our part to keep it that way. If we don't we will play into the hands of those that don't want us "all" to enjoy it. We often forget how disruptive we must be to locals. We are a solution, not a problem.
My van is covered with leave no trace stickers and such like, I hope the locals will see how responsible most van owners are.
Hi Cameron🙋🏻♀️...so enjoyed this informative and encouraging chat.... very happy to sub👍🏻look forward to hearing more from you soon🌟x
Good to hear of these proposed developments. And relieved that the authorities are taking a positive view of campervans and motorhomes. The established campsites have nothing to fear from additional facilities. The creation of the NC 500 has led to a huge upsurge in demand for camping spaces, toilets. Water points and waste disposal facilities. We are planning to take our Autocruise campervan on a 2 to 3 week tour round the north west in June. The problem is - many other staycationers are likely to have the same idea.
Thanks for this. Very informative. I've live in Edinburgh and have had a campervan over a decade now. I must admit we have tended to head South in it more often than not. The dearth of official/fun/pleasant campsites in Scotland is a great tragedy. I put it down to a need for land reform. There is no way an entrepreneur could acquire an attractive piece of land to set up a campsite. Property is sold in tiny plots in crofting communities or massive estates. There is clearly big demand and a great deal of resource so why isn't the market being allowed to meet that demand? Lesley Riddoch's "Huts" book is a good read on the subject, comparing us to our Scandinavian neighbours. Let's hope that this is a turning point and we get some good basic campsites, away from main roads, without a thousand static caravans or too much "added value".
Great video! I really do hope people take notice!... It was completely embarrassing walking into anywhere with an English accent in Scotland by the end of last summer. The state of the highlands was absolutely disgusting, from abandoned tents on the mountains to human turds in every layby. The council had to go around and leave a trowel and a sign in every layby so people would at least bury it... all the trowels got stolen. Unfortunately the people who leave such mess are a breed of sub-human that will never change because they have no respect at all for anything. Its sad to say, because the decent people who have enjoyed and respected Scotland for years will miss out, but if laws aren't changed and restrictions brought in to stop it, then the most beautiful country in the world will be tuned into a complete s**t hole. Like the majority of the UK already has been.
Thank you, thank you Mr. McNeish for standing up for camper van drivers. Covid has done us a disservice because there have been many people who have rented RVs and rushed to the sites with disregard for the rules, the people and the places. The most numerous incivilities are not due to a single category of tourists. In France we have also had the same problem with extreme reactions to ban motorhomes in certain places. I hope that spaces will be developed and above all that people will become aware of their environment and that it deserves respect.
I look forward to coming back and discovering more of the riches of your beautiful Scotland.
I have to say i agree. Ive seen glen etive didnt see a single camper van but every passing place with parked cars and people camping. The worst part was leaving and seeing all the rubbish they are leaving. So much for leave no trace. There needs to be better infrastructures for camping and caravans areas all over scotland.
Thanks for the information and heads up to what's happening.
Scotland councils could Publicise Phone Apps that inform of legal overnight camping options, and might allow people to earn some money to stay overnight.
Cameron, thankyou for sharing that great news regarding the upcoming additional facilities around Scotland. We will certainly try to take away more rubbish than what we bring. Sadly, a lot of todays society have lost their way in understanding the basics of how damaging rubbish is and what it affects. Excellent vlog 👌
The trouble is that almost 💯% of people that leave litter, will always leave litter no matter what facilities are in place. I tend to keep well away from caravans or campervans wherever I see them parked, simply because I prefer to remain in the wilder regions away from other people or crowds. That ultimatelty means that there are zero facilities or even bins for miles. But it takes little effort to maintain respect for the environment, and to 'leave without a trace'. Sadly there is a growing population of parents and youngsters that have never been taught respect or to avoid leaving litter. Only a few hours ago I parked off a muddy track next to a forest, then walked over a small ridge, only to be dismayed at the sight of a huge pile of McDonalds food containers and plastic junk that had been chucked in the bushes...undoubtedly from the same family of vehicle occupants! I have no doubts that as soon as people are allowed freedom to roam (and who can blame them after being unlawfully locked up like rats in their own homes for over a year), then the hills will be filled like swarms of lemmings, leaving a wave of rubbish in their wake.
I live in Cornwall, we saw a similar influx of camper vans. I think the issue is lack of facilities, parking is plentiful and legislation is weak. Pay for 24 hour parking but no overnight camping! no bins, no bogs. We want your money but we don't want you etc. You will always get irresponsible people no matter where you live, we should at least give people a chance to act properly.
Thanks for that very balanced assessment , enjoyed the content it added real real to the discussion. We love Scotland and the Scots and plan to responsibly visit this year but very much want to respect the communities we visit. First of your videos we have watched , we have subscribed and look forward to more. Kind regards from Norfolk . Martin& Helen.
Great informative video Cameron, we will be coming to the Highlands all being well and we will do our bit to leave it better than we found it!
Great news! Thanks for all you’re doing. Litter picker is packed and ready!
Mr.McNeish,is July or August not recommended for hillwalking in the Highlands because of midgies? When do you think is the best time? Thank you!
Hi Laura, Certainly July and August are the worst months for midges but they needn't spoil your holiday. Use a good repellent and you'll find the higher up the hill you walk the chances of encountering midges become less. If you really don't want to face the dreaded midge then late September and October can be quite beautiful.
Very encouraging Cameron.
The Gaelic word “Airidh” translates to English as “worthy, deserving of”. Are Highland Council referring to the word “Àirigh”, meaning “sheiling”?
I think you are probably correct Lynn. I think I'll change that.
I've just removed that wee section Lynn. Easier than changing the spelling believe it or not. I suspect the mistake was mine, rather than the Council's.
@@CameronMcNeishOutdoors No, not your mistake, I saw the same in a press article. Good that progress is being made though 😀
I wish you and the responsible campervan community well in these efforts. My husband and I have been visiting Scotland from Canada every few years since 2006. On our last trip in 2017 we noticed a marked increase in campervan travelers. Some of these vans oversized for the single track roadways - and most of these drivers did not know the ins and outs of managing these narrow roads. One of these drivers actually wouldn't wait for us to pull right off (surprise encounter around a corner) so we could let them by. They bullied their way through scraping the side of our rental vehicle (a small one) and not even stopping to check on the damage. Geez. This was on the Isle of Mull when we were visiting there. We also noticed so many just pulling off the road anywhere, tearing up lochside wet lowlands and invading privacy seemingly without consideration. I have a huge worry that the right to roam legislation will not exist in time because there's just too many people and the residents will get fed up with it all. I agree that there needs to be more and better services for campervans - but only as much as the communities can accommodate. Another reason we have found for the increase in visitors to Scotland is the hugely popular TV series "Outlander". At least here in North America it is inspiring fans to travel to Scotland. Not a bad thing - but the numbers need to be managed. Tourism is a double edged sword as us Canadians have discovered. Be careful what you wish for. All the best.
I think we are well aware of the problems associated with over-tourism Jo, that's why so many of us are actively trying to create a better tourist infrastructure, an infrastructure that simply didn't exist before. The problems of people staying in the UK for holidays because of Covid has highlighted this lack. Also more and more people are investing in campervans because they are much more Covid-safe and the cost of hotel accommodation has become prohibitive. Not so many Americans coming here at gthe moment, also because of Covid restrictions. The rural areas of Scotland depend on tourism but we have to find a better way of dealing with it. I'm sure many of the issues will vanish once we reach a more normal way of living but in the meantime the Scottish Government is working closely with local councils to improve things for all.
The reason people are pushing out into the wilder parts of our great lands is over crowding. If every beach and country park wasn't
over run by "normies" I wouldn't have to go up high or more remote.
Improved facilities.? How about a proper rest area on the A9 with toilets and food available. I’ve lost count of the number of times I see folk pissing at the side of the road on my jaunts up and down this road. I know this is a deliberate ploy to get people into the local towns and villages but we really need to address this for safety reasons for a start.
Drive off the A9 for 2 minutes at Dunkeld, Pitlochry, Blair, Bruar, Dalwhinnie, Newtonmore, Kingussue, Aviemore, Carrbridge, Tomatin and you'll find most facilities you'll need. However, because of the pandemic most cafes, toilets are closed. "Rest areas" would likely be closed to under present circumstances.
Cameron Awesome Video, Scotland has it all And if we support Scotland it can grow, Be it the remote communities or the larger Stores along the way give pleasure seekers the full on service, If we support Scotland Scotland can support us, At the start of last year I bought a Camper so I could head up to Scotland and because of the lockdown I had to put it all on hold but I will get there as soon as the UK is all on the same page, Respect It or lose it people.
Near where I live is a well know where place where motorcyclists visit, on one visit we was talking to the guy who keeps the place clean and tidy.
He told us that one local councilor was looking to ban motorcycles from that area as they always leave a mess.
This chap however invited this person to come with him one morning on his daily clean up round. Where all the motorcyclists park all the bins were full and the area was clean , however when he took him to the car park, the bins were full and over flowing, rubbish thrown and blown everywhere, even sold nappies . He even showed him where visitors had actually used certain areas as toilets. After this the local councilor dropped the idea about banning motorcyclists .
So its not fair to use the blame game for stopping certain peoples leisure time. It not always who you like to think its is.
Fingers crossed this investment is carried out and used correctly.
We look forward to visiting the highlands again as we haven’t been since the month before lockdown 1 took place 🤞🏼
Great well timed video as we intend to hopefully visit in autumn . Facilities that are available for an extended season would be great . We visited NZ for 8 weeks and rented a van . Their basic forestry sites were a brilliant idea . Turn up , fill in form and drop it in box with cash , apps could also be used if signal ok. Wardens would check but mainly relied on honesty . I feel the 2 big caravan clubs are missing the point , we don't all want to stay on regimented sites listening to other peoples tv's and dogs barking . Vince
I wouldn't rely on getting peace in the middle of nowhere! There were so many camper vans last year parked up near to the local village with radio's/tv's blaring, dumping litter, blocking access etc. The police attended a few times. So don't be surprised if locals don't welcome you with open arms.
@@MrsGraphiteGal We don't park near villages , nor have a radio or tv , we pick up litter if we can . Most camper users are NOT as you describe in our experience .
@@vincezielinski2784 sadly the one's I've come across in recent years are. I was a MH user for 10 years in the late 80's & early 90's and I've seen a massive change in the types of people using them and their attitude.
Not saying all are but there's certainly an increasing number ,not just during the pandemic either.
Sounds encouraging for the future. We stayed at few forest car parks last year and it was great, so hopefully they will do the same this year.
Well during lockdown I’ve actually been picking up litter and broken bottles , and looked at by passing motorists as if I was on community service .
Cameron, thanks for a balanced little vid, Ive subscribed and will be back, Im up and around the Highlands often and always in Spring or Autumn in my 110 conversion to avoid your midges and crowds..Out of site out of mind..is my motto on tour.
You will get a welcome in The Highlands. I'm from there.
However Just a couple points. I heard a lot of poison being thrown around by the usual suspects. "English coming up here making a mess". Also the Shame of the fanatics standing on the border "English get out". Well I'm from the Highlands and yes there was a lot of mess and human waste left. But ld like to point out that it was mostly Scottish campers that were the biggest culprits. Sadly nationlisim up here is becoming pure poison. It's very sad
If I walk down any road in Fife it’s a carpet of trash for 100’s of miles.
Every lay-by or farm gate is fly tipped .
The Westfield power station has half an acre of fly tipping..... Seen it all over Scotland and I can tell you it ain’t tourists or incomers. Sadly in the central belt the locals are as bad if not worse. At hound point NQ a drink and drugs party left tents and a heap of other trash behind.
The scumbags are many .... perhaps the fingers pointing out should know the three fingers that point back are as bad.
What`s the score with lockdown,in Tarbert this morning there was six MH`s parked at the harbour,i am a MH owner and have not been able to travel for over a year,and your hear many differant accents in the co-op.
Not everyone who lives in Scotland has a 'local accent' it's the same where I live
@@fergy1ful These where tourists,we love tourists they help keep Scotland alive.My meaning was why are they here just now we are on lock down.
plenty of folks driving about in campervans, for some people it's all about them....
@@kc3718 >?
My motorhome is my sole vehicle, but its not been outwith Stirlingshire since lockdown, and not been slept in since the 26th Dec when the latest L4 started. Could be that some of the folks you see are in their sole vehicle or could be that they simply don't care about anyone else...
Great wee informative vid. As a local to Moray I know its a minority on both sides creating angst. Media ramped up that bad feeling and local social media groups moan about everything, not just campers vans. I am not a van owner but have been a resident of NZ and travelled the country with one, experiencing what a good infrastructure can provide. There are a minority of problem makers there too but there always will be just as there are fly tippers etc. Hopefully when covid has eased and people get used to welcoming rather than being wary of tourists things will calm down and everyone can see the benefits of people sharing beautiful places.
Thanks Cameron, very timely and balanced as usual. I am Scottish but can't live there just now but even I am having some anxiety about using my campervan up there this this year if it ever becomes possible. Covid has given an excuse for some factions to rear their xenophobic and bigoted opinions on social media but, as usual, the truth lies in the middle. I always shop and fuel local even if it means paying thruppence h'appeny more than the local Tesco or Aldi and I'm sure many more do as well (do all locals?). Litter, sadly, is a problem wherever you travel and again, as much caused by local visitors as those from further afield. Of course there is a bigger issue as more people discover Scotland, you can look to the Lakes and Peaks to see it right now. Infrastructure and management are key. Don't make the same mistakes up there. Oh, and if you really want to ban campervans/motorhomes/wild camping, just forget Independence as you'll just have the same outlook as England anyway!
Sense, sense and more sense. I love Scotland and 99% of its residents. I love travelling with my caravan and Motorhome and I love 90% of my fellow travelers, says it all really. Be respectful at all times.
Fantastic news always good to know your welcome, fantastic, thank you for doing sharing this
That’s a brilliant video well done 👍
I and my Family are hoping that were we normally spend our Summer Holiday are open this year. As they weren't open last year we took the step of not travelling to Scotland's Isles as we didn't want to feel that we were a problem for the Locals or not wanting to be unwelcome. So we will do what we did last year and use the site we want to stay on as Litmus test for local feelings. I am hoping that it will be all systems go this year as we have had withdrawal symptoms, and are longing to enjoy the West Coast of Scotland once more. Just not the NC500 bit as that is one for many years down the road when we can go when its nice and quite.
Really encouraging video
Camping and Camper vanning in my honest opinion is an opportunity for business growth in Scotland, and it is something that is being overlooked by the highlands commission, there are many struggling crofters that could benefit by laying some land aside, provide a source of clean running water, an eco-bin collection skip and charge a couple of pounds per night for the masses, many campers dont really like the big organized camp sites, but crofters could provide something that many campers would prefer, low density camping, so that they feel that they are experiencing the wild.
For sure if I were a crofter, I would set up for camping , id lay on running water via a simple stand-pipe with a tap, I might even consider a double shower shed, no need to lay on water, just somewhere clean and private for campers to hook up their solar heated shower bags , Id have a regular supply of camp fire wood ready for sale, and aa freezer full of bacon and sausages and a bit of highland salmon, and highland venison, a friendly approach and I think there would be a good income to be earned, which could be reinvested to offer other small services like hiring of bikes for the day, and getting some of the local community involved too, fishing trips, days out on the hills with a real shepherd offering an experience of rural scottish highland life, and I believe many more crofters in the area would start to offer such services.
The Scottish Highland people are really very friendly all they want is respect, which costs nothing to give, and they all have a story to tell that will keep you rivetted to your seat, and a merging of interests in this way would be a win/win situation, campers get the thrill of an adventurous holiday, and they get to interact with some wonderful people and learn from them.
It’s a great idea but it wouldn’t work on the islands yet, too much damage was done to the relationship between islanders and campers, I’m positive in time that will improve but we will have to wait and see. Many Croft’s are still worked so they wouldn’t want MHs etc it’s different to the mainland. At the height of all this my friend was coming over in her MH and I quickly realised from what was being said it was a bad idea. Not one I’d like to repeat . The success of having a MH saw the islands inundated with them so much so that islanders couldn’t use the ferries at times because they were literally full of MHs , ferry after ferry was. Like that but once foreign holidays start again hopefully things will go back to normal hopefully. People who stayed on sites didn’t get the hassle the ones who wild camped got not by a long way
@@53nellie it's understandable, I think i would feel the same, but with a bit of support from the highlands commission with regular visits, I'm sure that one crofters would be willing to give it a try, and then if successful that story can be shared with other crofters, it's a crying shame to see the crofts dwindle in the way they have, and this would just be like bringing the bothie experience into the croft
@@53nellie hows this for an idea, because I do understand what your saying about the mobile homes,
it should be made a rule of thumb that ferry operators give priority to locals, because its only fair, and to do this, all they have to do is create one line for locals, and they can have a sticker or pass visible in the front windscreen of the vehicle, its not like local traffic would fill a ferry right? and Im sure the mobile home owners would understand a slight delay, after all its not like the islands are going to move over night,
I think with the right kind of support, this could turn into quite a thriving industry that will give much needed financial supplement to the crofters, and, the highland commission could publish a brochure with all the participating crofts listed clearly and charge a fee for the book which is then used to push funds back into the crofting communities to continue with support.
I have so many ideas for developing this into a game changer for the crofting communities, its something Ive been giving a lot of thought to as I come towards retirement age, I for one would put myself behind this.
@@garymilnes4851 I hear what you’re saying but here on the islands the infrastructure isn’t there to cope with that many big MHs. The crofters for the most part aren’t interested having had bad experiences of MHs and like it or not the news goes round very quickly here. They like their way of life and don’t want a thriving industry in regards to MHs. It’s a very different way of life to the mainland. They have done Aires in places and disposal points but it’s mainly business owners understandably who want lots of tourists. Tourism is good for all but it’s getting to the stage where there’s far too many MHs coming over now. When my partner is hours late getting home because they hold him up it gets annoying. Education is what’s needed big time because rules were broken time and time again so the islanders literally had enough. When it was suggested that the islanders should have priority on the ferry after lockdown to see relatives on the mainland the reaction from tourists was appaulling I never want to experience that again. The abuse and insults were awful but basically saying that they should have priority because they put money into the island and we should be grateful. That had soured the situation plus all the damage done with staycations. It’s going to take a long time for things to get back to what they were. Believe me there’s been some horrible instances that I won’t go into here. They don’t want a thriving industry if it involves hundreds of MHs. There’s too many now. We have campsites but many prefer “wild camping” but that’s where it went wrong. A lot want it free or the nicer ones want them quiet but the amount of damage that was done to the ecosystem was huge.
At the end of the day the islanders don’t want them now after all that but that’ll change given time as long as we don’t get those dirty campers back.
@@53nellie Perhaps for the islands, it would make sense to put a quota in place for the number of motor homes at any one time, this is something that the ferry companies could help with, as they know exactly how many get on and off the ferries,
I was not aware of the problems regarding the priorities given to islanders before, and its shameful that such people would even voice an opinion, but right now the islanders are suffering because there is no actual control, and this must change, the Scottish Islands and Highlands are the pride of the country and should be respected,
what we are doing here on youtube is what should be done in reality, dialogue, with an understanding that both sides have got to show a little give and take, but the main goal is to protect these places for generations to come so that they too can enjoy the beauty of Scotland, and I think the government should play a part and bring together all the associations, and community representatives to begin talks,
Getting this right could actually help with funding for the essentials that you speak of, education especially,
I know there has been a huge drive in scotland to try and bring the crofting communities back to life, but if the children can get adequate education in their own communities, nothing will work, because the children that get educated away from home, will inevitably wander away from home for work and a stable footing to start their own families,
all these initiatives and commissions, and associations, are more than likely not communicating with each other, and by the sounds of your frustrations, they certainly arent communicating with you guys whos lives are being effected
I hope it changes, and I hope that wounds are healed, and I hope the tourists learn some manners and show more respect in future.
Its nice to have this exchange with you @53nellie, I will continue to enjoy the scottish highlands and Islands when I return back to the UK to retire, and I will continue to show respect to those living there,
I brought my family back to the UK of their first visit, I didnt take them to my home town, we headed straight to the Ardnamurchan point and had the best holiday ever. this is how important the Scottish islands and Highlands are to me, and now to my family also.
Well said, long has the rubbish left behind been blamed on motorhomers, anyone who has visited Loch Lomond on the May bank holiday will know it is day trippers who leave the most rubbish and abandon cheap camping gear.
Simon I feel your pain it was very said to see the poor actions of others, hopefully we don’t see this moving forward.
And all get out to soon and enjoy 2021 safely and leaving no trace behind 👍
Many thanks for this information. My wife loves her little RomaHome and Scotland. In 2020 she did the NC 500 and hopes to return this summer. I am sending her a link to this video. Regards Michael
Campsite operators are very well placed to provide their own alternative 'aires' in fact in France, quite a few Aires are operated by campsite owners, located at the entrance of the campsite, with access only to dump waste, and obtain fresh water, eg for a rather lower fee than the fully fledged campsite might charge. Site owners need to realise that the needs of campervans/motorhomes is different to that of tent and caravan holidaymakers, and offer a stop-over that's fit for purpose at the right price. At the moment, campsite owners are missing out on this source of income - mostly out of fear of change and simple bloody-mindedness! Positive steps anyway, so that's good!
Please take note England there is so much potential for local businesses and small towns.
Existing campsites should remember the business saying '' competition is good for business ''. The more people come the more they will stay, and of course the now famous saying - '' Build it and they will come '' I wish Scotland all success in this venture.
Thank you for that very informative heads up ! Indeed some campsites will moan, but I personally was met with a barrage of "no sorry we are full" replies from site owners albeit friendly. Plus of course not everyone likes campsites, I am one of them but I always leave a site better than I found it whether camping or parking my camper van... Scotland has much to offer as does the tourist to Scotland. So please all be respectful to man and land.
Not enough expenditure planned- but don’t forget that post Brexit, the sheep farmers will need to diversify. Grants to build leisure parks and aires on land currently used for livestock? How about doing for Cape Wrath what Natural Retreats did for John O Groats? And if you plan to do the route, read my novel Malbister - currently available on Amazon which gives a heads up to great places to eat on the NC500
One of the problems that I see with motor-homes is that some people use casual parking places as camp sites. For example, they might arrive in the early morning and stay a couple of days. In the town where I live (in North Wales) one one bank holiday weekend we had 6 vans/motor-homes parked on rough land by the lake, all of which had started their own individual fires. I would suggest that one way to not annoy the locals is that the more casual places to park have a code that says "arrive late and leave early, and don't treat it as a camp site". The Aires are a bit different, but but the vast majority in Europe do not allow camping behavior. If people want to do camping activities then they should stay on a campsite, otherwise they should be as discreet as possible.
How much per night is your camp site?
@@jamesmackay4652 Sorry, I don't understand?
Hi from New Zealand we have the issues here, but CV19 has helped as, they now wont us to visit. You can now park where you would of got a fine last year. The small towns are now happy to have our funds spent on there town. we have over 130,000 list over seas campers.
What are you looking at?
They're not welcome in Glenshee now, signs up saying £5 parking charge and no overnight parking.
I take it you mean at the ski grounds? Bloody cold and miserable place to spend the night anyway.
Thats right @@CameronMcNeishOutdoors
@@russvalentine7973 Thanks Russ.
We stayed there the last 2 years as it's really handy for a days fishing on loch Ba.
A bit disappointing if it's true.
Optimistic ✅
Common sense ✅
Sounds like a lot of the spend will benefit other tourists and locals too - extra loos and bins are always welcome.
one of the biggest problems is most campervaners dont want to stay on sites as they have to pay..they would rather park up in laybys and woods ect for free .the mess in the highlands last year was unreal..rubbish and shit everywhere..and loads of campers blocking field gates.road ends ect.....saor.alba
Judging by the prices some camp site operators are charging I can't blame them. Would you believe one site in Arisaig was asking £50 a pitch? This is a very real part of the problem. Blair Atholl camp site is charging £25 to empty a toilet cassette. This is blatant profiteering and needs to be stamped out.