IN a bold move that's sent ripples through the Scottish Highlands' tourism industry, the Highland Council has rolled out a £40 weekly pass for motorhome and campervan users. This scheme, aimed at promoting sustainable tourism year-round, has some campsite owners up in arms – but are they simply missing the bigger picture?

The Highland Campervan and Motorhome Scheme, a first of its kind in the UK, offers travellers access to essential services like public toilets and wastewater facilities, along with overnight parking in designated areas. It's a solution that's been long overdue, addressing the growing pains of the region's booming motorhome tourism and providing options when many traditional campsites close for the winter months.

Indeed, it's worth noting that across the UK, a significant number of campsites shut their gates during the off-season, leaving motorhome enthusiasts with limited options. This new scheme fills a crucial gap, allowing for year-round tourism in a region known for its breath-taking beauty in every season.

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But not everyone's toasting to this innovation. Some campsite owners, who've long enjoyed a monopoly on motorhome accommodation during their operating months, are apparently feeling the heat. They claim the scheme undercuts their business model and threatens their very existence. One might wonder, however, if these concerns are as overblown as the Millennium bug.

For years, campsite owners have been charging upwards of £40 a night for what essentially amounts to a patch of grass and a shared shower block, and only during peak seasons. Meanwhile local communities have borne the brunt of informal parking and inadequate waste management facilities year-round. It seems the council has finally called time on this unsustainable status quo.

The scheme's proponents argue that it's not about competition, but complementation – a model that has worked successfully across Europe for years. In countries like France, Germany, and Italy, campsites and aires (designated motorhome stopping places) coexist harmoniously, catering to different needs and preferences of travellers. This new Scottish scheme aims to replicate this successful model, providing options for those quick overnight stays while still allowing traditional campsites to offer their full-service experience.

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Moreover, the initiative addresses a genuine need for proper facilities to accommodate the increasing number of motorhomes visiting the Highlands, regardless of the season. It's a win-win situation for everyone – except, apparently, for those who've been riding this ever growing cash-cow without adapting to changing market demands and year-round tourism trends.

The council's approach is refreshingly pragmatic. By providing designated areas for motorhomes, they're tackling the issue of informal parking head-on. They're also promoting sustainable tourism by encouraging "conscious travellers" to contribute directly to local services and environmental protections, even in the quieter winter months when many businesses traditionally struggle.

Now, let's be honest: the scheme isn't perfect. Like any new initiative, it will take time to bed in and iron out the kinks. Feedback from motorhome users will be crucial in shaping the future of this program. Highland Council will need to commit to refining the scheme based on real-world experiences, and that’s where the continued support of motorhome owners comes into play.

(Image: NQ)

With the ability to vote with their wheels, travellers can help ensure the scheme remains dynamic and effective. If they find the facilities lacking or the experience less than satisfactory, they won’t hesitate to express dissatisfaction or seek alternatives. This kind of feedback loop is essential for the evolution of the scheme, allowing it to adapt to the needs of both visitors and local communities.

So, to the campsite owners lamenting this new scheme: isn't it time to park your complaints and start your engines? The tourism landscape is changing, and those who have failed to adapt over the last nine years of NC500 touring risk being left in the dust. Instead of resisting progress, why not use this as an opportunity to innovate and improve your own offerings? Perhaps consider extending your operating seasons or providing unique experiences that elevate your offer above the council's scheme.

After all, competition is the mother of innovation. And in the grand scheme of things, a little healthy competition might just be what the doctor ordered for Highland tourism. It's high time these campsite owners stopped resting on their laurels and started catering to their paying customers. 

In the end, this scheme isn't about putting anyone out of business – it's about creating a more sustainable, enjoyable, and accessible Highland experience for all, 365 days a year. And that's something I’m sure we can all rally behind. 

Jamie Spratt is a member of the leadership team on the Campaign for Real Aires. He is also the founder of AireStop, a service he created after his parents struggled to find straightforward one-stop-shop solutions when they opened their aire at the family farm steading.