By Emma Dodd
A caravan park in the Highlands of Scotland is to extend its season to the end of December after an unprecedented demand for staycations.
Blair Castle Caravan Park in Pitlochry is a convenience base for exploring the Cairngorms National Park, making it particularly popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
In the wake of a surge in autumn bookings, the site has taken the unprecedented step of extending its season right into the heart of winter, reports The Herald.
Motorhome and caravan reservations for September and October were up by 23 per cent at the park, sparking the decision to stay open longer.
The castle estate stretches for 145,000 acres with the ancestral home of Clan Murray at its heart, complete with turrets and crenellations.
Visitors will be able to take advantage of its proximity to the castle, which will be open to guided tours until the middle of December.
Usually, Blair Castle would close its doors in October after the lucrative summer months, but the coronavirus pandemic meant the season got off to a slow start.
Now, visitors enjoying a touring holiday at the site throughout the autumn will get to experience the beauty of the surrounding countryside in all its crimson, lime yellow and auburn glory.
Chloe Thornton, marketing officer for the estate, said: “It is the simplicity of a holiday with family, surrounded by nature, that is driving enquiries for winter holidays.
“The confidence that travel arrangements won’t be disrupted and that high standards of cleanliness will be enforced is the perfect solution for families looking for ways to grab some time away together prior to Christmas.”
Blair Castle has been granted official ‘Good To Go’ status, meaning it has been implementing Covid secure policies across the site.
Caravanners should keep an eye on the restrictions in their own areas, as well as those brought in at holiday destinations to ensure it is appropriate to visit.
