New rangers and wardens are being appointed to deal with motorhomes and wild camping in Argyll and Bute this summer.
Continued Covid-19 restrictions mean that 2020’s significant increase in ‘staycations’ is expected to continue this year.
The council has performed a U-turn after last year saying that motorhomes and camper vans should stick to official sites, and has already suggested that they could use some council-owned car parks.
And this week a senior official said four new jobs were being created as part of an £830,000 action plan which will also see new waste disposal facilities.
Head of economic development Fergus Murray said there had been over 150 responses to a survey which was sent to community councils.
The survey had identified likely ‘hot spots’, and new venues were suggested, but he did not give details of these when speaking to the Argyll and Bute community planning partnership on Wednesday.
“This is based on what we experienced last summer as lockdown was eased and people took advantage of their closest community to take their motorhomes into. More people have become interested in that form of holiday,” he said.
“We have been working in the background and have formed a group drawn from a cross section of individuals, including from council services.
“We are filling in the key elements of our action plan and things we wish to take forward.”
He said four warden and ranger posts were being created to supplement current staff in promoting responsible camping, while the council’s website would also be developed.
He added: “We are looking to install a network of waste disposal points, and places where motorhomes can get fresh water and dispose of rubbish.
“We know it is a critical period and we are starting to see a bit of pressure before you are even allowed to travel.
“From speaking to people, some operators won’t open fully even when they are allowed to later this year, because of concerns about Covid.
“That puts pressure on areas whatever you do, but we’re doing everything we can.”
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