Car park upgrades, new signage and overnight parking for motocaravans are just some of the measures the council is planning to deliver, to help protect Argyll and Bute’s scenery and promote responsible tourism.
At a meeting today, Councillors agreed the latest steps in response to increasing numbers of visitors choosing to staycation in the region. The plans will help support the local economy and encourage responsible tourism.
They include:
- Motorcaravan Overnight Parking - an additional £30,000 has been allocated from the Council’s staycation budget to complete the project to create overnight parking for motorcaravans at sites throughout Argyll and Bute
- Glenmorag car park in Dunoon – funding of £100,000 has been agreed for the potential upgrading of the car park with options including upgraded toilets, electric hook up points, potable water and waste water disposal points
- New signage – installation of new Welcome to Argyll and Bute signage and information on passing place etiquette
Temporary toilets introduced at popular visitor hotspots across the region will continue throughout 2023.
The new measures are in addition to a wide range of initiatives already introduced to address concerns about the impact of staycation visitors on key tourism areas.
They include:
- Enhanced waste disposal facilities for camping/campervans at campsites across Argyll and Bute
- Introduction of temporary toilets at various locations including Westport, Bridge of Orchy, Glen Orchy, Kilchurn Castle and Victoria Bridge.
- Funding to support four community wardens and recruitment of additional wardens
- Creation of the abplace2visit website (https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/abplace2visit)
The website includes an interactive map of locations of car parks and caravan touring sites and information on waste disposal facilities
Councillor Alastair Redman, Policy Lead for Economic Growth and Communities, said:
“Tourism is a major contributor to the local economy, and the increase in visitors choosing to staycation in Argyll and Bute is extremely welcome. Thousands of visitors come to enjoy everything the area has to offer and the vast majority of people are responsible.
However, we are fully aware of concerns and have listened to our local communities regarding the impact of litter and anti-social behaviour. We want everyone to have a great time and be a great visitor, which is why we have introduced new measures and extended those already in place to encourage responsible tourism.”