By Emma Dodd
Wild camping has long been legal in Scotland, but under COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, the government has told caravan owners not to indulge in the practice.
As of July 15th, Holyrood makes it permitted again, but one council has spoken out urging caravan owners to stick to official sites to begin with.
Argyll and Bute County Council has asked visitors to use official caravan parks as a way to help the local economy and prevent a second wave of the coronavirus taking hold.
Councillor Alastair Redman, policy lead for economic growth, said: “Use official campsites so that numbers can be properly managed and so that your waste can be disposed of safely.
“It will not only keep you safe: it will help keep our businesses going at this crucial time so that people can enjoy coming here for years to come.”
He highlighted the fact that the people of the region, like others across the country, have made sacrifices to suppress the virus and that everyone must continue to act responsibly now that restrictions are being lifted.
Tourism is a key industry in Argyll and Bute, which has been particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, making it all the more important to welcome visitors back in a safe manner.
Argyll and Bute is a tempting place to visit with a caravan as it has many attractive landmarks to explore, such as the Inveraray and Carnasserie castles and Iona Abbey.
It is also home to 23 inhabited islands, including Bute, Mull and Tiree, where an outbreak of coronavirus could be devastating for the small populations.
While national guidance must be followed, it’s also important to think about local sensitivities and how appropriate it is to travel to specific destinations at certain times.
The Scottish government is only encouraging caravan owners whose leisure vehicles are self-contained and do not rely on shared facilities to undertake overnight stays at present.
