The Highland Campervan and Motorhome Scheme
A new voluntary scheme is now open to all campervan and motorhome users travelling across Highland, with the principle aim of delivering sustainable and responsible tourism in the Highlands.
Earlier this year, the public, partners, and the Highland Council’s staff were invited to take part in a survey and share suggestions ahead of the Council’s budget for 2024/25. Emerging themes from the public engagement highlighted that people understood the need to raise income generation, with the most common suggestion to do so through campervans and motorhomes.
Allan Gunn, Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate), said: “The launch of the Highland Campervan and Motorhome Scheme is understood to be the first of its kind by any UK local authority. ‘Conscious travellers’ who opt for the seven-day pass have access to scheme benefits that will support continued improvements to services such as public toilets, wastewater infrastructure, and environmental and ecological protections.
“There is an identified need for facilities to accommodate campervans, motorhomes, roof tents and people who are using vehicles for short stayovers. This scheme offers an opportunity for the Council to continue to support local priorities relating to tourism and visitor management. The Highland Council has also committed funds that will be invested towards improving the existing infrastructure and to provide more council-owned sites.”
James Martin, Director of Sport, Leisure & Safeguarding at High Life Highland, said: “We very much welcome the introduction of the Campervan and Motorhome Scheme and are delighted to be able to offer High Life Highland showering and changing facilities to those holiday makers who choose to purchase the seven-day pass. Most visitors like to do the right thing when it comes to touring round the Highlands and I am sure the scheme will prove popular, particularly with those who like to ‘give something back’ with a contribution from the funds raised going towards projects that will help conserve and enhance our natural environment.”
The cost of the weekly pass will also provide inclusive overnight parking in specified carparks throughout the region.
A contribution from scheme payments will be made to the Highland Restoration Fund which helps support projects that deliver nature restoration, safeguard wildlife, and tackle the causes of biodiversity loss due to climate change.
For further information and details about joining the Highland Campervan and Motorhome Scheme, please visit: www.highland.gov.uk/motorhome