Campervans ahoy – but islanders shun 'invasion'

The trial "route equivalent tariff" (RET) scheme has reduced ticket prices by some 40 per cent, with many campervans paying the same as cars. It cuts fares to the cost of travelling the same distance by road, and runs on the Western Isles and Coll/Tiree routes from last October until 2011.

First Minister Alex Salmond, who visited Skye yesterday, said: "The Clyde and Hebrides network generally has seen an increase in carryings over the past nine months; however the most dramatic increases are on the RET routes.

"This has been crucial in times of unprecedented economic downturn and a very welcome boost to the travel of tourists in our year of homecoming."

However, while the upsurge has been welcomed by tourist groups, fears have been raised about the impact of "wild camping", including the careless dumping of toilet waste.

Particular worries have been expressed by residents in Barra and Vatersay, which have no campsites. Rhoda Grant, a Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, said one of the worst-affected areas was Traigh Mhor beach, which is used as Barra's landing strip.

She said: "While the islanders welcome tourists, the pressure has been extreme in the area due to the large numbers of campervans this year.

"There is a lack of infrastructure to deal with rubbish collection, and campers have been emptying toilets into burns and the sea."

Donald Manford, the transport committee chairman for Western Isles Council, said: "With such a dramatic increase, there is insufficient capacity to provide a service for quite so many motor homes.

"There are regular visitors who are considerate and responsible, but a number are not as careful about how they deal with their rubbish. There is a need to look at how it can be better managed."

Mr Manford said

more campsites would be required if the upsurge in campervans became permanent, but it was not clear if the fares reduction would continue after the trial.

Western Isles SNP MP Angus MacNeil said he had also been contacted by worried residents. He said: "Many constituents have raised with me the growth of campervan numbers not just on ferries, but as an issue in the islands, in some cases an environmental health issue, as there are places with no facilities to deal with these numbers."

The Outer Hebrides Tourism Industry Association, which represents nearly 130 businesses, said the campervan boom had come about because most self-catering accommodation on the islands was fully booked this summer.

Neil Campbell, its chairman, said: "All tourists are welcome, and while some will come with everything with them, most are using our shops and restaurants. One person's problem is another's opportunity."

Ferry operator CalMac said: "We do not consider there is any need for additional sailings at this stage."