Tuesday 4th August 2020, 2:23pm
Mountaineering Scotland is encouraged to see The Highland Council approving a motion calling for the allocation of resources to manage summer touring and camping in the Highlands.
Councillors called for commitment of resources to manage public health implications as demand from "staycationers" may well outstrip any possible supply of campsite spaces over the summer. Steps that may be taken include increased waste collections, better traffic management, restrictions on alcohol consumption, and financial support for beach or countryside wardens, temporary toilet and handwashing facilities.
Read more about The Highland Council motion here.
We welcome these positive and pragmatic moves to manage informal camping in the countryside, and the call by The Highland Council Councillors to allocate resources to address the potential impacts of camping.
Perth and Kinross Council has also sought to address similar problems by establishing a multi-agency group with Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue, and local communities, aiming to manage the situation and take action where necessary, including running a communication campaign to promote good behaviour.
The message for campers is to stay safe, behave responsibly and to leave their camping site like they had never been there. Individually the impact of considerate camping may be minimal, but popular areas may get many visitors week after week over the summer. The cumulative impacts of this can be significant, so taking simple steps to minimise impacts will benefit everyone.
The main elements the campaign focusses on are litter, going to the loo, water and fires. Mountaineering Scotland’s camping webpages provide information for campers on how to make sure that when camping they can stay safe, protect the environment and minimise the signs of ever having been there.
Your Considerate Camping checklist can be found here:
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