Are Campervans Still Welcome in Scotland?
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 1 июн 2023
- #camping #campervans #ebikes
If you relied solely on what you read on social media then it would seem that every Scot is prejudiced against campervans and motorhomes and will do anything to make you feel unwelcome. The reality is very different. Scotland welcomes RESPONSIBLE campervanners and motorhomers and a lot of work is going on at the moment to create a much better infrastructure for overnight park-ups. However, we are asked to observe a few common-sense rules...
I'm based in the Scottish Highlands and I use a VW campervan to access the great outdoors, where I climb hills, ride my e-bike or gravel bike and just visit some of those places I've never been to. I've been climbing hills and mountains all over the world for 50 years and I'm a former editor of Climber Magazine and The Great Outdoors Magazine.
Scottish Access Legislation
www.outdooraccess-scotland.com
CAMpRA UK Ltd
www.campra.org.uk
Forestry & Land Scotland Stay The Night
www.forestryandland.gov.scot
Part4Night
www.park4night.com
Search For Sites
www.searchforsites.co.uk
My daughter and I just got back from Scotland a couple of weeks ago. As a Scot two things upset me. Number 1, At a popular site on the Isle of Skye I overheard the owner of camper van complain because he had to pay a parking fee. Well my answer to that is simple, if you payed a visit say to the Old Man of Storr and found the parking area full of inconsiderate campervanners who had decided to park up for a week and there was no space for you, you would not be happy. Number 2. On the way back from Skye to Edinburgh my daughter and I stopped of to admire a perfect view. What was the first thing that meet my eye when I opened the car door. Yip, someone had just stopped some time before to check the view, but before leaving, emptied their vehicle of about a weeks worth of rubbish. We Sots are a friendly people, we enjoy sharing our wonderful country. All we ask is just a little respect
Well said, and people not picking up after their dogs at picturesque campervan stop overs infuriates me.
I agree , immediately after Lockdown there were a lot of unsavoury You Tubers meeting up at Ayr on the roadside , and did as you have just mentioned.
He came away straight back down to Gretna disgusted , saying he was unprepared to contract C19 . Pretty immediately afterwards there was a C19 outbreak at Ayr. VW owners can be the worst type of offenders. Elitist in a VW Appreciation Club for expensive VW,s , having paid so much for their VW they can’t afford to pay £20 a night to park on a Campsite (contributing ) to the Scottish economy . The VW owners have a tendency to park away from others even if they do pay for a night . You make some good points. And it’s not just about hygiene but attitude too.
What’s the difference between dog shit and human shit? Why let your dog do it when you yourself would be too embarrassed? to do it there yourself.
It’s nothing to do with a badge! We’re VW owners, we consider ourselves very responsible. Please don’t tar everyone with the same brush.
@@xvsupremacy7190 on another thread we have a VW owner blaming motorhomes, now we have this half wit blaming VW owners. When will you lot wake up, smell the the coffee, and realise that you are all on the same bus. We are all being treated badly by the media, certain councils, and by some members of the public, regardless of wether you drive an A class or a VW camper.
That should be any where ,If your Dog Shits pick it up
Brilliant. I'm in total agreement. I'm not a camper vanner but I wildcamp. I live by the Leave No Trace rule. I respect where I am, the place and also the residents. Its such a shame and it saddens me that a minority don't follow this. We can all do our bit. I don't blame locals for trying to stop it. Its their home we must all respect it. Great video very informative 👏 👍
I stopped at the head of St Mary's Loch for a night. Should've been a nice stop but the volume of cars with anglers, families enjoying a camp fire and swimming meant it was very noisy. When we awoke in the morning we took the dog a walk along the nearby trail. It was disgusting. All along the tree line you could see toilet paper where people had been crapping. All over the flat area you could see numerous fire pits, disposable BBQs, broken chairs, tables, tents some of which had also been thrown on fires. We spent a couple of hours bagging as much waste as we could but then noticed the area was actually on some "plastic waffle" matting for some engineering connected to the weir. This has been melted and damaged. Won't be long before this area gets gated to stop access. We also went to a site at Cape Wrath and a huge hire motorhome parked up next to us after 11pm. 7 folk jumped out walked around the site dragging picnic benches to their van. They then had a campfire and started cooking on a giant wok, singing and drinking. 3am I had enough and complained, the reply in broken English "sorry my friend, we have paid a lot of money to hire the van and have a good time visiting Scotland so that is what we are doing". I explained it would be better if they respected Scotland and the locals. The site owner arrived at 5 and was angry that they had a fire in the middle of the pitch next to where they had parked a few feet from an electric hookup.
I do understand why people in Scotland are getting pissed of , some peoples behavior is disgusting .
We in Scotland had a massive problem with litter and fly tipping long before the current campervan fad. One layby near Grantown On Spey even had old TVs and washing machines dumped in it. I very much doubt tourists were responsible for that.
@@wildfisher I witnessed fly tipping on the struie near Ardgay in broad daylight , it was a written van from a welding company in invergordon. It does happen here but nothing compared to down south, biggest problem is people throwing litter out on the side of the road doing the NC 500.
hi Cameron. thanks for the thoughts. As a camper van owner for many years one of my main concerns are the Rental Companies who rent vans out to people who first of all have never driven van of such a size and are not given proper instruction on how to use the systems in the van or have any appreciation of the countryside code or appropriate behavior. For instance at a site in Glen Coe. A new van turned up already short of a wing mirror. I spoke to the eldery American couple . They had hired the van for 3 days. Intended to complete the NC 500. They did not even know how to plug in the electric or turn the gas on! They also did not even have a map.I could go on... They should have been evaluated of their ability to be responsible for the vehicle before being let loose by the rental company.
I’m Scottish and have camped all over Scotland . The rule leave nothing but footprints has always been my moto.
We did it last week in a hired motorhome. It was amazing and everyone we met was really welcoming. However, Idiots will be idiots. Doesn’t matter if it’s wild camping, hiking, campervans, there’s some idiots everywhere. Absolutely loved Scotland.
Just back from Sutherland and I get up and travel at 4am totally light and no traffic (none) a great time to see deer and sunrises!
Incidents such as that are HUGELY rare. I've never felt anything but welcome during my travels.
We have a space outside our exit gate so larger vehicles can turn more easily into the lane.
"Wild" campers use it.
No probs if they pull well in .
Surprised how many £90k camper vanners shit in a bucket and chuck it out on the "layby" in the morning.
Well said Cameron, and I totally agree. Once again its the peope who dont give a s**t who spoilt it for the rest if us. We regularly have to clear up our overnight park ups when we arrive, as apart from doing our bit to continue the good will, if we didn't you can be sure someone would report us for leaving the mess as we drove off🤷. If we cannot educate the minority we run the risk of losing these beautiful places to park up in the future. Keep up the great videos. 🙂👍
Thanks Cameron, I'm still campervanning after over 40 years also. Similar problems on the Welsh Coast. No frills Green Campsites, Pub Stopovers & welcoming Aires are the way to go. Your video really is excellent. As a Photographer, all I need is a safe quiet welcoming place to spend the night.
ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS.
Thank you Cameron - as ever, you are a gentlemen with a most melodious voice, a warm heart, a resolve of granite and a gem of a Scot.
Just like the rest of us, Alba gu bràth 🏴
This deliberate type of behaviour should not be tolerated, Scotland is one of the most beautiful country's on the planet, I lived there for 20 years, and it was an amazing experience, well done sir, you are spot on to highlight this behaviour and bring it to our attention, keep up the good work its very appreciated 😀
I agree with most of what you say Cameron, & there is never any excuse for emptying toilet cassettes anywhere but a dedicated place. But if l leave my motorhome, l always leave my curtains or blinds closed, partly to keep the sun out, but also to prevent people looking in & maybe being tempted to break in, so it doesn't mean i'm in bed.
Totally agree with what you said. Interestingly we also close the blinds when parked, but not the windscreen blinds (which we would do if we were sleeping in it overnight). So for us there is a difference.
Returning from fort William to Glasgow with my caravan in tow end of September early Saturday morning I was staggered to see nearly every lay-by full of campervans worse still I had driven to achintee pub at base of Ben Nevis 5am that we'd to find 28 of the 30 spaces taken by campers god help the locals mid summer must be a nightmare
Good points there Cameron . Having only recently converted a van to camper , it seems to be even harder than it was in the tent to be spontaneous and head off for the weekend to a campsite, they are booked well in advance, it’s a shame but I don’t mind sharing Scotland with tourists. I have the necessary .. facilities to park up anywhere so it doesn’t stop me heading off, I usually use the park up app for a guide.
Very informative and very good points well made. It’s such a shame people do daft things and disrespect the countryside or other areas. Shocking behaviour.
Sound advice.
All the best, David & Rachel 👍
Hello Cameron we’re new to your channel and i must say totally agree with you, We’ve been coming to Scotland for over fifty years camping/ caravaning/ and small Motorhome for last ten years and all ways use small sites or off grid were it’s quite and always use local communities and local shops , We keep well clear of these over priced sites We also use Aires and contribute to the owners now in in our seventies still come to Scotland for a month every year from Yorkshire and where ever we camp never leave any trace which is so nice to do. Thankyou Chris⛰️
Agree with you entirely. But where there are people it is always the few who spoil it for the many. Campervanners please remember the country code. Leave only footsteps and take away only photographs. Thanks Cameron for being passionate about our countryside and our holiday lifestyle.
Great information for people visiting Scotland...The forestry Scotland parking thing is excellent although the one above the fairy pools on Skye was a rubbish dump ... really sad to see 😢
Spot on! I've been travelling to Scotlands high and southern uplands for 40 years too.... always finding a quiet spot respecting it with upmost love for nature the terrain and the locals that live amongst it... I don't do a big shop when I set off from Wales but spend all my money with local shops and specialised food businesses.... I'm coming up again in July and I must say I'm on tenterhooks for what I might see and find.... because the last 2 years I've been completely shocked at the damage and the spoil and waste and the tempers....of just some of the visitors....
Thank you Scotland and communities welcoming me so graciously all these years
Thank you Cameron for a very well balanced and educating approach to overnighting in campers/MoHo's.
Maybe 1 in a 1000 people act like this !
It’s outrageous!
They can’t lump us all into this sort of ridiculous behaviour!
Edit : my daughter went swimming at Luss yesterday and it was covered in all sorts of rubbish , don’t think it was campervaners , more likely day trippers just dumping their shite anywhere.
I guess it's ironic that a man on Barra was charged by the police for emptiyng his waste into a river while the Environment Agency in England is pouring shit into rivers every day of the week.
@@CameronMcNeishOutdoors
100% correct Cameron
But this idiot on Barra is ruining it for the rest of us , what an idiot .
I’m heading up glencoe way tomorrow , probably not
To
A campsite but we won’t be causing any trouble to the locals hopefully!👍🏻
@@CameronMcNeishOutdoors Not only in England. There was a massive pollution incident on the North Esk last Friday. It was the weekend before SEPA even turned up by which time the environmental damage was colossal.
@@CameronMcNeishOutdoors It's been a couple of years since we last visited Barra but when we were last there you could empty your waste tanks for free in the ferry port. If these facilities are still available then this baw bag's dumping is even more inexcusable. Let's hope that his fine is at least a 4 digit figure.
We were in Rowardennan 9 days ago and it was absolutely mobbed. Day trippers everywhere but I think the midges finished some of them off 😂
I’ve just subscribed to your channel and it is really enjoyable to watch. As someone who is thinking about getting a camper van It would be really interesting to see a future video getting your thoughts for a first time buyer. The choice and differences in price is bewildering! Thanks for the great content.
Many thanks Douglas. Good idea, I'll see what I can come up with.
As usual a balanced and well informed vlog Cameron. Words fail me about someone emptying the toilet in a stream or indeed anywhere not a CDP. I carry a spare cassette in the garage to avoid crises arising after a night or two off grid.
I don’t think it’s the seasoned motorhomers or wild campers that are the problem but those who have a try at it but don’t have a clue. Some folk don’t even realise the problems caused by disposal or toileting near a water source. You see it more on the public holidays at certain beauty spots I’ve seen bagfuls or rubbish on Rannoch Moor or along side Loch Tummel disgusting. It takes nothing to take you rubbish home with you or empty your cassette at home.
As I have a big van I tend to go into a site it’s worth it if I’m leaving the van for any time. It contributes to the economy as well.
I have been travelling to the NW Highlands for over 35 years. I have stayed in hotels, B&Bs and for a while many years ago had a campervan. In those days there were few around. I was very discreet, sometimes I stayed at a campsite and sometimes I very carefully picked a spot away from sight, arrived late and left very early, leaving no sign at all I'd been there. I made friends and met only with a welcome. I do not come in a campervan now out of respect for the community. I agree with the anger of the community today. The situation is out of control and many behave irresponsibly and selfishly. The creation and promotion of the NC500 was totally irresponsible. We now have people stopping all along the road, making no effort to be discreet, totally taking the p*ss, emptying loos and generally spoiling some of our last wildernesses. I don't want to contribute to that. I still come but stay in hotels. I still hike and on a long distance hike where I have no choice but to wild camp in remote areas, I do so. This is real wild camping but what people are doing now absolutely isn't and is going to destroy things for genuine hikers. There needs to be a clamp down on stopping by the road, they need to stop promotion of the NC500, they need to insist on use of campsites, rented vans need to provide evidence they emptied loos at authorised sites etc.
As a resident, thank you. The situation is getting desperate, I am a prisoner in my own home, cannot bare to see the distruction of this beautiful area.
@@junehall2177 agree, it is very upsetting seeing what is going on in such a beautiful area. I was in Assynt last week fishing and every layby was full along the roads. They turn up, park by the road, pitch tents, get the deck chairs out and just stay there. I've even seen them put washing lines up. Same with campervans and even caravans. Getting along single track roads to go fishing is now a major headache (what lunacy routed the NC500 down the Drumbeg Road!!!!). The route is also being used as a race track by car and motorcycle clubs. A once quiet day drifting beautiful lochs like little loch Awe is now a constant roar of engines. These people don't give a toss about the local area. I'm as angry as the local people about it.
@@mattwright2964 Thank you again for understanding our plight & for respecting the area by not travelling as you once did. I wasn't kidding when I said I'm now a prisoner in my own home. We only go out now if it's urgent, to travel on these roads now is not only dangerous but also heart breaking. The area now resembles an open sewer.
NC500 Ltd & it's supporters should hang their heads in shame. Highland Council even paid for the brown NC500 signs, so at residents expense too !
Thank You for a useful vlog before my visit to Scotland this coming July.
Well said! We have been traveling for over a decade through Europe and now we are established in Scotland. Sadly some people are still living in the stone age when littering was common. Family with two young kids we always teach them ethics and well behavior by respecting others is respecting yourself. Many times we had parked in some amazing areas and we had to pick up the garbage and take it with us, so we can make our stay more pleasant. This community is amazing and has so much to share an absolute shame that for a few, everyone has to pay the price. Maybe a social media page, shaming the ones who .... don`t respect nature like the rest of us, may be the answer!😁
Just subscribed on the basis of this one video. Exceptional & thank you for thevery soundadvice.
Thanks for yet again a great well balanced video Cameron. A few things I would like to add is I have seen recently a massive increase in hired vans driven by people who are not familiar with what’s expected. Also I have noticed people puting out tables and chairs, windbreakers, and on occasion I have even seen awnings being erected in carparks. I have also witnessed people staying for prolonged periods, even weeks at a time. This kind of behaviour has created problems in Elie, and New England Bay in Galloway. Elie now charge £10 a night to park, and in New England Bay no overnight parking is now banned. Dumfries and Galloway have indicated that they will now erect these signs in all of their carparks.
But one thing I don’t entirely agree with is having to leave early next morning Cameron. Often we arrive in the evening with the intention of doing something from there the following day. You seem to be suggesting that this is not ok. I appreciate that locals like to park in these carparks, but then I have just paid £325 road tax, and I feel that I have a right also to park in a public carpark. I am all in favour of trying to be as inconspicuous as possible, but ultimately we do have to park somewhere.
Very informative and in a very kind tonality. Thank you and regards from Germany!
Another great video and watch. You make so many good points in your content and I for one follow you avidly.
I have to personally thank you for giving me the push to buy an electric mountain bike. I was so close to buying a Trek bike like yours but in the end spent a couple of thousand more on a full suspension Haibike as it gave me better kit i.e. a bigger battery and suspension travel and in the end I had to buy a model up on the one I was going for as I was not so keen on the colour supplied as stock in the shop. I am trying to build up my range locally here in Renfrewshire firstly, before venturing out into the great outdoors of this wonderful country of Scotland we are lucky to be able to call home. I am going to revisit your back catalouge for clues to where you were when you set off to these fantastic tracks and vistas featured in your content.
Thanks for inspiring a now near sixty year old boyhood cyclist back onto a bike.
E-bikes are magic. It's a cliche now but they do bring a smile to your face.
@@CameronMcNeishOutdoors 😃😃
@@CameronMcNeishOutdoors 😃😃
I have to echo Nick H comments. Excellent video and comments. As always let's all ensure we leave no trace, unless we leave it better than when we arrived.
With respect, from CaMPA.
Most un-metalled roads, unfenced land and beaches are private property, and you don’t have a right to park unless it’s authorised by the landowner by verbal agreement or signage. The Road Traffic Act 1988 states that you can drive a vehicle up to 15 yards off a public road for the purpose of parking, but this does not confer any right to park the vehicle. You still need the landowners permission.
As a resident of Wester Ross, the problem appears to be the sheer volume of motorhomes/campervans, so the small minority of "bad eggs" becomes a significant amount.
It's the same in so many walks of life nowadays. The few spoiling things for the responsibly minded public. It starts at the top - so many of our politicians set poor examples so people think they have a right to behave in the same way.
@@CameronMcNeishOutdoors Agreed.
The NC500 Ltd has not helped here, sadly. It was an ill conceived plan by North Highland Initiative.
Thanks Cameron, just back from a lovely CL near Elgin. If you just want a basic quite site, CLs are great value. I do like mixing my off grid camping also, inverness also has a nice 1 night stopover near the canals for a £10 , no return for 72 hours if memory serves me.
We simply cannot take the sheer numbers but we do welcome visitors. But sadly we have had our lives made hell because of some who do just such things as emptying human waste , through out litter as well. Park up on private land, block up private entrances. Even when they do not park up on proper sites there are some free park up places but they do not use them. One of the worst things is travelling in convoys on single track roads with passing places . On one occasion there were 24 of these in convoy. It has sadly become out of control but it was not to bad before Covid lockdown but since It has often become impossible for local people to go about there everyday business. I ask would you like your private garden used as a toilet & having to clear up after these dreadful people. We do welcome visitors but sadly the good ones who appreciate our countryside are having it spoilt by a number of those who have no regard for others. On one occasion I had to call the Police & lock myself in my own home as a horrible man objected to me telling him my private garden was not a park up place . He got out and chased me. & I am a very old age pensioner.
The issue is causing 1 or 2 miles of tailbacks and congestion on roads such as the A82/A87 or A9 and the driver knowing they are causing huge tailbacks and not occasionally pulling over into lay-bys to let the traffic clear. Many campervan drivers are courteous but not all and it’s those folks that cause frustration and anger on the roads.
The Irresponsible few will continue to spoil things as they are arrogant. I also found one camper-van taking up what would be three car parking spots yesterday.
Bravo sir, what an excellent and concise video, very informative and plenty of useful insight, thankyou!
Excellent video blog, well presented.
Living myself on the Moray Coast in a small fishing town I agree completely with you. I dint mind Camper vans (I own one myself since more than 20 years). But like you said, when you find a small jewel to park over night it’s ok, but leave space for locals. If there are visibly only 7 spaces and there are already 5 squished in with there 7m campers, just move in and don’t squish on yourself. I don’t even get that “snuggly” Camping that you barely can open your own doors and can even hear the neighbour breathing.
Like he said, be reasonable and take in consideration that there are also locals using that places. Also don’t make them to public that after you the numbers are even rise up to the sky because you told everyone about these little gems on Instagram, Facebook and Co.
Often it ends up that the council builds up barriers for height and width which makes it impossible to enter such places. I think that’s not necessary when campers would be more responsible
Having just spent the past few weeks touring Scotland in our small camper van, it’s certainly come to light that the minority will spoil it for the majority. The Outerhebrides (Harris and Lewis) have a nice system, they provide plenty of options where to overnight. Either wild camping, overnighting with basic amenities or full blown campsites.
I don’t think we’d travel during the high seasons though. Overcrowding could become an issue.
Thanks for your time and the valuable links you’ve provided 🥃
They do but people prefer not to pay. There’s trouble in the WI but we’ll wait and see if it quiets down but MH owners have been responsible for a lot of abuse to islanders recently
People and businesses who offer 'Free' overnight stops for campers in exchange for the campers patronage, need to be aware that they too need to contribute to the campers human needs, like access to toilets etc. Its not a new phenomenon, People do actually need to relieve themselves.
Most campervans and motorhomes have on-board facilities these days. Even small VW's like mine. Most campervanners who overnight outwith campsites will visit a campsite every three days or so to empty waste.
Yes its getting very pricey in the UK hence more and more going to France Spain & Portugal where loads park ups FREE and some charge as little 3 Euro a night with services except electric so solar power is a must.
Indeed. Had a month in Spain and Portugal in March and it's like night and day in terms of infrastructure and attitudes.
Very well put, I totally agree with all your comments 👍
Well said Cameron!! Common sense seems to be a precious commodity these days 😀Thanks for all the good advice on your videos 👍
Excellent commentary. I love to camp all over the world and always respect the local laws and regulations, it really pisses me off when people abuse their surroundings-I usually stay at a bnb and very rarely stay at places that don't offer camp sites. I'm coming in the summer of 25', could you recommend a rental company out of Edinburgh?
Some excellent points made there. Sadly too many people don't have common sense these days. We don't understand those who sleep in til all hours. If we are away in our van we want to be up early to make the most of our time away. We haven't used a site in over five years as we like to spend our money locally and share it around between shops and cafes. We are hoping to get back up to Scotland in October, when the hoards of people have left. Thanks for this excellent video Cameron
Sleeping late has many reasons, my guess is the most common is simply people on holiday wanting to relax & get off the workday schedule.
Sex on waking is wonderfully relaxed but doesn't fit around work schedules because often it takes a long time.
Some people are nocturnal.
For me, I find people stressful, all people, even nice people, so I live at night. Right now, 1pm, I'm just settling down after a panic attack brought on by people staring through my windows this morning & reading my address off an envelope in the cab to a telephone. No idea who they are, no uniforms, didn't knock on the door.
Well said, Cameron. And a good, informative video too.
You are not being 'uncharitable' Cameron... He should be made a Public example of, as a lesson to Every visitor to your Beautiful land...
I noticed a sign on a motorhome window in South Ayrshire it said, "Highland Council Resident" what's that all about?
Are tourist's vans being targeted up there or something?
No idea Bill. Sorry...
Well said Cameron We are doing the NC500 in march appreciate your advice. Regards
The user I have learnt a lot of you and anything else thank you I am thinking of getting a motorhome and I will take your advice thank you very much
What a sensible well balanced vlog. Well said that man.
Well said Cammy the same problem existed with toilets being emptied on the beach at Hushinish one night 15 camper and parked on the Machair. Until Crofter put up a rope fence. And a Toilet disposal point was installed. You should publish an advice booklet to be provided by sellers to all new campervan owners
And that’s part of the reason MHs aren’t welcome at the moment because they’re causing a lot of upset amongst locals 😢
Many years ago, touring with my caravan I noticed that someone had emptied their cassette toilet in a lay-by along the shores of Loch Lomond. I automatically blame motor homers, mainly because they have more of a tendency to wild camp. This saves them on campsite fees where in the majority of sites have a facility to empty your wastes cassette.
I suspect the culprits are just measly money scrimpers that don’t use camp sites. Now if you want to wild camp that’s your choice, but when that cassette needs to be emptied, just call into a site and ask to empty you waste there, even if they may make a small charge.
Great video as always Cameron🚐
Good piece on an important subject. In total agreement with you Cameron!
Interesting video … Although Scotland is high on my wishlist this makes me wonder, am I welcome? I would hate to annoy locals ánd I want to feel welcome when visiting an area of land. I also get the impression there aren’t enough places to sleep of service in Scotland. Add to that the expensive campsites and I may need to rethink and die without seeing Scotland 😢
Oh dear, my video wasn’t meant to be negative. Having said that the UK in general is now very expensive for a holiday. I think you’d find most Scots people to be very welcoming.
@@CameronMcNeishOutdoors I really hope so. I can understand it is not always great in high season when it gets busy and crowded, but most campers do spend money, in shops, bars, sightseeing etc. And isn’t it a great compliment when they all come to see your part of the world. There’s misbehavior everywhere, not just with camperowners. And I guess that is what is bothering me about vlogs like yours 😉 But for now I’ll keep Scotland on my list. But it won’t be in high season 😂👍🏻
I visited Scotland in April by train and found it a bit hostile to tourists anyway. Excessively expensive, rarely polite or welcoming. This is strange as tourism aparently provides a hughe income for them. This said, this will not hold me back to go back next year but then with my overland Jeep. And all what you say applies to other countries as well. Be stealthy and carefull, don't harm anybody. Btw. the Scotts drive like crazy , every Road seams to be a race track, lol
Pay a small yearly subscription to either the local Scottish Forestry Commission or National Trust of Scotland to recieve free overnight Parking Bay's set up for Holiday Camping Vans or Car's...all of which would have a summer live in Overseer checking the area.
These two Commissions do so much to keep our Lands and Forests beautiful and safe therefore they deserve a yearly subscription fee...not some Private Company or Landowner profiteering by charging £15 a night just because they have spare Land.
Privitisation in Scotland is killing Public Services.
No one would object to paying a small yearly fee to those who actually work their buts off keeping our Land beautiful.
Support the Scottish Forestry commission or National Trust of Scotland...become a member. 👍🏴
Spot on 👍😀
Well said
Concur to all you've said Cameron!!! Another great message to all!! It's a shame there are some irresponsible people in the world!!
A fine video Cameron. I have been visiting Scotland for well over 50 years and mostly camping or rental properties. Did 3 weeks in a rental motor home once. ( and really enjoyed it very much) Aires should be the way forward. Responsibility is what it’s all about. Thanks for your post.
Altough it's true that many tourists don't look after the areas they visit, but if you live in Scotland you know very well there is an excessive amount of rubbish everywhere where tourists never even been.
What fantastic advice.
We sadly have morons in all walks of life though.
We'll be travelling in scotland in our motorhome from mid july till mid august. Other than what you describe in the video, are there any initiatives we can support either by donation or labor? You mention something about a litter program, but I can't seem to find specific details on that.
Thanks for the video, and we'll do our best to keep up good spirits for the community :) Cheers from Denmark
No litter programme as such but many campervanners now carry a litter pick up which you can get on Amazon and clear up any litter that may be in car parks, lay buys or stop-offs. This makes campervanners into a force for good and is often appreciated locally.
Well said thanks! Seems some folk just lack common sense.
I love Scotland and it’s people.
Instead of closing or not permitting overnight camping for cars or campervan's in beautiful areas ...there should be allowance only for those who are National Trust Members.
They know and understand the code of conduct of keeping areas clean, tidy and safe.
Every National Trust Member pays a yearly subscription therefore have a registration number.
There should be a system that allows them to key in their number at the destination they wish to stay.
Also having this number placed in their window for validation (like a parking ticket of authorization).
If someone finds a mess and reports it then the system can track who was there at that time.
If found to have broken that code of conduct then they are removed from the National Trust.
It seems unfair to create a closed system under the "one shoe fits all" remit.
Well said Cameron . My only gripe with camper van owners are the idiots who drive at 30mph on main roads and refuse to pull over .A82 along Loch Ness is a prime example.
Shocking behaviour from an ignorant unappreciative minority, who seem to have little in the way of values. We need to make a conscious effort to balance out their negative behaviour. Like you say, it`s always good to make the effort to engage with and appreciate the local community, who are generally friendly and helpful wherever you are staying. The majority of campers that I come across are good decent people who only want to enjoy, and help preserve the beauty of the countryside that we are lucky to have here. Thanks for another excellent, on target video. Keep up the good work.
The ones doing this are just scum bags. As regular visitors to the Highlands it saddens us to see things like you mention.
Good video, we come to Scotland every year, we wild camp in our self build motorhome, after spending a fortune on it to be off grid I want to be free to being just that, off grid.
We respect everywhere we go amd only camp where we feel we are allowed to.
We never have a camp fire as we have our own deisel heating.
The reason I enjoy wildcamping is because of the crazy unrealistic prices some campsites want to charge, I know of some that try to charge £50 a night.
Scotland is beautiful, and we love being there.
As always, when you hear of people dumping thier waste on the side of the roads just remember it is the minority of scum that do this, not people that love the country side.
I see rubbish everywhere and can only assume it to be day trippers, we have a bin and we use it.
Its such a shame that the idiots of the world dont understand that they only ruin it for themselves as well as others who care.
We always shop local to where we are, the reason being is the variety and service, I love chatting with the locals as I know I can learn a thing or 2 about the area I am exploring.
I once found out we could go haggis hunting, but we were out of season at the time 😂.
www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/23767/enjoying_the_highlands_in_your_motorhome_or_campervan
Agree with everything you say, and absolutely disgusting tipping your waste into a river, we should leave that to the professionals who do it on an industrial scale and not a word.
brilliant video and I totally agree. my only concern would be that if everyone reports bad practice this could encourage the authorities to clamp down more.
Excellent and like others I am in total agreement.
Totally agree.
Was on Skye with my son was disgusted to find human s..t in almost every lay-by.
Litter everywhere. Tourism is necessary but sadly 7:34 its making a dump of our country
Its a pity for the responsible, but there are just too many motorhome/campervans coming now, for rural roads.
Please Motorhomers/Campervaners remember to pull over and let working people passed to get on with their days work, remember your on holiday and have plenty time to drive slowly to your destination enjoying the scenery, but we are working or delivering goods on a timescale.
Stop emptying your toilets behind layby bins, leaving full bin bags of soiled nappies and waste food and plastics it stinks.
Rant Over.
Fcking brilliant am Scottish aye travel all over our beautiful country with hidden cctv outside my van aswell as wearing night vision camara two catch there reg plate aswell as the offence been done.... respect the land as u see it # u stopped in that spot cos in your head was beautiful spot leave that way for the next one,s please u don't want cctv over the Internet with reg photo of you ? Happy camping @ caravan in Scotland
I agree it is the irresponsible few that have created animosity. I live remotely in the Highlands and not far from me the forestry allowed access to a very small car park close to the forests. The access sign has since been taken away as rubbish that was being left and on 2 occasions clearly the contents of a chemical toilet had been emptied onto the ground; disgusting. Others use the car park to go for walks with dogs, children etc and are met with this abuse of a public area.
Well said cameron
Call them out as soon as it is seen..Leave no trace is the right way.
No sensible motorhome or camper van user can argue with any of this. If we allow the tiny minority to act in a selfish or irresponsible manner a holiday way of life that I have enjoyed for many years will become more difficult.
The general advice should also be followed in the rest of the UK - don't piss people off.
it's a shame that so few are highlighted, there are many that lend themselves to the economy of these areas and care about these places that they choose to visit them. The problem I see more and more is the amount of bags of dog crap in trees, bushes and the litter piled in laybys. Halfwits pulling bits of trees for fires. Guess what? Not a campervan in site. The largest volume of damage to these areas comes from day trippers and irresponsible tourists internal mainly. I don't own a campervan; but on my many travels above, around, across and along Scotland's landscape I have never seen an issue with a campervan owner. not even once in twnety years. I spend a great deal of time in these wild places, it's welcoming to find a lone camper and someone to talk to and share a cup of tea after a couple of nights on the summits of our mountains. I would say that facilities in Scotland in some areas are woeful, really bad. It's a shame as I've seen many empty spaces that could be turned over to limited usage for campers with very little effort.
Aye, we could learn so much from our continental cousins bui alas, we chose to go alone, for better or worse. I think we're beginning to see the downside of Brexit now and we're fast becoming the litter capital of Europe.
Loving your videos Cameron, thanks. One question...we start a 10 day trip on 1st Nov. I hear a lot of sites close over winter - do you think we'll have a problem finding places to stay? We're hoping to mainly free camp with a few nights at official campgrounds. Coming from Australia so your advice would be much appreciated. Thanks Gilly.
Yes, the vast majority of campsites close over winter in Scotland but I don't think you'll have too many problems finding overnight parking areas. Check out the apps, Search for Sites or Park4 Night. You'll find these really helpful.
@@CameronMcNeishOutdoors thanks! Appreciate your response.
Many "sites" on the apps park4night & search for sites are private property so are not suitable for overnight stays in MH/CV's so use with care.
You are not being uncharitable about people disposing of human waste or anything from campervans or caravans in such a beautiful part of the world, they disgust me. My wife and I love Scotland and will always make the effort to buy locally if we can.
@cameronmcneishoutdoors Well said and explained
Excellent video and certainly the vast majority of us campervan folk stick to this code religiously. After all, I’m sure we would feel very negatively if people behaved badly on our doorstep too. It’s unfortunate that the people who need to hear this message though probably don’t follow folk like yourself, only us committed to the country codes do. I wish there was a way of ensuring everyone heard this message loud and clear before they got behind the wheel eg a common courtesy code that has to be read through by people that hire a campervan for a weeks holiday from a hiring company. Although there are a tiny minority who are just dirtbags and will carry on behaving badly regardless. We live in hope though 🙄
Agree 110% it’s about respect - but councils often take the easy route and blanket ban instead of looking at controlling and working with respectful owners who downs money in the local area.
I think those that abuse that includes lots of day trippers in cars that disrespect need to be hammered hard in my opinion
We just went to Ireland mainly off grid on one night on the main minding my own business and in fact picking up litter
The trip we spent £3600 in the Irish economy and similar wherever we go.
We don’t ban people walking in a high street because sone drunks have performed anti social behaviour we target those that mis behave yet with campervan folk get a blanket ban
Well said Cameron I’m just back from a fortnight around Glencoe and Fort Bill in my VW T6 and had a couple of nights “wild camping” nae bother but I have to say some of the motorhomes now are literally twice the size of my wee bus and the amount of smashed wing mirrors I seen on our travels was ridiculous..also I noticed lots of motorhomers on the road not following etiquette and pulling in tae let the locals pass,I dare say they don’t want to pull their big rigs over onto a rough piece of tarmac which is bad form on their part!
You really do seem to have it in for those in larger vans. Well I have witnessed people in camper vans without toilet facilities urinating outside their vans in car parks three times, the last time in Banavie near Neptune’s staircase. As for seeing smashed mirrors all over the roads, in all my years I think I may have seen one. And the use of the word their instead of us really is appalling, unless you have not noticed we are all in this together. As for pulling over my “big rig” I have no problems doing so when safe to do so for myself and other drivers. I am sure you witnessed this behaviour from those driving their BIG RIGS but fail to report this. The fact is there are idiots in motorhomes, campers, and those using tents. Picking on one group either through bias or some kind of envy is not helpful to anyone. We are all in the same boat, we all face the same issues, and sticking together is much better than promoting childish rivalry amongst us. Happy travels. And for the record I drive a four year old 6m A class with its original mirrors undamaged and intact.
Indeed Cameron, wise words, The few ruining it for the many. When walking I always have a carrier bag to collect other peoples rubbish 😤🤬
I think the lack of facilities in the UK is down to ignorance of councils to the benifits & the aim to discourage roma travellers!
My thoughts are most campervan owners act responsibly, maybe people that hire campers, and there’s a lot in Scotland, aren’t informed of such protocols?
Camper vanning getting politicised . . News companies
As a campervan owner myself, I'll happily ignore the social media frenzy and rely on my own personal experience. Unfortunately my personal experience fits with that same social media frenzy. 2 of my last 3 local canoe trips have started with my access to the water being blocked by campervans parked up for the night. I have no issue with the first 5 or 6 campervans in that area ... but when the 7th one turns up and blocks access to the water, my patience for campervans runs out. As for Forestry and Land Scotland carparks, my local one now changes ALL users for even the briefest stay. What was once a popular and well used trail for local dog walkers, cyclists and hikers has now become nothing more than a campervan park up.
The F&LS car park charges have nothing to do with campervanners. They are putting in parking charges at most of their car parks but hey, why not blame campervanners. Easy target eh?
Motorhome users are amongst the heaviest road tax payers now. I now pay £325 a year. First how do you know they have been there all night, they may have arrived that day early to access the water just like yourself. When we head for certain carparks we make sure we arrive early in order that we will find a space. I am amazed at some who turn up after 11am expecting to gain access to small popular public carparks. Bottom line everyone has equal rights of access, wether they drive a car, a camper van, or a Motorhome. Blaming us for charges being applied really takes the biscuit. It’s the same old story, a car park full of cars is not an issue, but a car park full of road tax paying campers and motorhomes is. Possibly next time I go to a car park full of cars I should complain about it, after all I pay way more road tax than most cars.
They are even erecting awnings on the caravans it is virtually impossible to park a car in the Loch Lomond area it won't be long before it's banned the sooner the better try parking on top of Applecross pass in a car . And no I don't live there I'm not a passed off local I live in the westmidlands I haven't been to the Highlands for five years I usually went every year not anymore .
With all due respect, if you haven't been to the highlands for five years how do you know what the state of play is?
It’s time to bring in a system of payment like Canada has for National parks these funds could be used by local authorities to provide Aires with power supplies grey water and sewage disposal this won’t happen overnight however we’ve got to start somewhere.
In my local area Dunblane Sheriff Muir local car parks are regularly used by nothing more than white builders vans for overnight stay with no grey water or sewage facilities so where does this go?
Don’t get me wrong I admire Cameron’s input into The Scottish environment however the growth in campervan/ motorhome has been exponential since the pandemic and I don’t see this changing so some more of regulation is required to safeguard the environment and channel funding to provide proper facilities.
We have natural beauty spots which must be safeguarded if your unwilling to pay a nominal overnight fee then don’t overnight in Scotland