Tourism Policies

Recreational Vehicle (RV) Tax to enter the "North Coast 500" Route

Motorhomes, campervans and roof-top tent vans are increasing in frequency and placing pressure upon the local infrastructure. The tax would operate similar to the ULEZ system, and the revenue would be ring-fenced to improve tourist facilities in the Highlands area, including parking, overnight facilities, and toilets. This is only fair given that the people in such mobile homes are not contributing to the over-night hospitality industry in the area.

Fund Adequate Numbers of Park Rangers to Improve Tourist Experience

Park Rangers are essential to ensure the camping experience for visitors and tourists is safe and clean. They can spot developing problems involving litter, or camp-fires, or human waste; as well as engaging with visitors to ensure best practice.

Investment in Park Rangers should be seen as an essential element for the Scottish tourism industry.

However, to take one example, Perth and Kinross Council has confirmed funding for only 1 dedicated Ranger, down from 7 in 2021. ("Concerns over fire safety risk and 'dirty campers' as funding for rangers is branded wholly inadequate", The Herald, 4-4-26, p13.)

Keep Scotland Tidy

Much of beautiful Scotland is blighted by litter, flooded lay-bys with blocked drains, gutters and pavements muddied by years of autumn leaves, and verges strewn with rubbish along our roads and motorways. What kind of impression does this give tourists? A national programme of action is sorely needed.