An appeal for motorhome owners to stick to official campsites has been repeated – although a trial system will see the vehicles allowed to stay in car parks in forestry areas.
Last week Argyll and Bute Council appealed to motorhome, camper van and caravan owners to use official campsites only, saying this would support the local economy and protect health.
But Forestry and Land Scotland has now launched a ‘Stay The Night’ scheme, which will allow motorhomes and camper vans to stay for a single night at some of its car parks – initially free of charge, although a £5 fee is to be introduced soon.
Initially this included sites in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park such as Ardgartan and Ardentinny, but these have now been withdrawn.
Today a council spokesperson said: ” Using official campsites supports local businesses, boosts the local economy and helps the environment by ensuring that rubbish and waste is disposed of safely.
“We would continue to encourage visitors to use them if possible. National guidance permitting wild camping just changed this week.
“We are keen to see tourism open up again safely and so wish Forestry and Land Scotland well with its trial as this offers additional options for brief stays.
“Argyll and Bute is a beautiful place so we urge visitors to use the car parks responsibly and help us keep it that way.”
The forestry scheme is part of a national trial, and stays are limited to a single night, between 6pm and 10am.
A spokesperson said: ” As the participating car parks have limited – if any – facilities, they are intended for use as informal stop overs on your longer journeys around the Scottish countryside.
“Spaces cannot be booked in advance and we ask that you stay for only one night at a time (not returning for 48 hours).
“This trial is open to self-contained vehicles only. We are unable to allow camping and overnight parking of cars at our car parks.”
The car parks available in the scheme can be found on an interactive map on the Forestry and Land Scotland website.
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