Group looking into dirty camping to report back next month

28th October 2020

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has quizzed Rural Economy and Tourism Secretary, Fergus Ewing, on how the Scottish Government is going to tackle residents' concerns about dirty camping and future tourism pressure on Highlands and Islands communities.

In answer to a Parliamentary Question, Mr Ewing said a multi-agency group, which met in September, will report back in November to look at solutions and make recommendations to Ministers.

The group will address two themes, education, engagement and enforcement and a national visitor management plan, along with the provision of visitor facilities, Mr Ewing said.

Mrs Grant said: "While it’s good that this group is meeting and plans to consult with other interests, including the private sector, it is worrying that Mr Ewing has stressed adequate service provision is ultimately for the local authority or national park authority involved.

"Councils and public agencies in our region were already struggling with their finances before this pandemic hit and the extra stress caused by Covid-19 will further tie their hands to invest in solutions.

“Communities and local businesses want the Scottish Government to hear their voices on this issue and want to be assured that next year there are solutions and infrastructure in place to relieve pressure on pinch points such as the NC500 and on the Western Isles."