Call for overnight parking

Mountaineering Scotland has urged Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES) to make provision for overnight or multi-day parking in Forestry Commission car parks.

Responding to consultation on the FES Corporate Plan 2017-19, we have welcomed the organisation’s commitment to having accessible woodlands that are open to all, which will encourage health benefits and outdoor learning.

But in his response, David Gibson, Chief Executive Officer, said Mountaineering Scotland was disappointed at the lack of parking provision for overnight campers.

In his letter of response he noted: “This is particularly relevant for those wishing to access the hills for multi-day trips, for example for the purpose of wild camping in the hills or staying out overnight in a bothy. Many such trips are most conveniently accessed from Forestry Commission car parks; therefore any lack of overnight parking provision by the Forestry Commission is a serious barrier to those wishing to exercise their right of responsible wild camping in accordance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”

The full response to the FES Corporate Plan 2017-19 can be read here.