Bookings go ‘through the roof’ at revamped Wick campsite

Wick’s award-winning campsite has seen a “whopping” increase in bookings as the tourist season starts to gather momentum.

A replacement reception building opened several weeks ago as the focal point of a £435,000 programme of improvements, the latest step in a three-year upgrading plan.

That followed on from a £450,000 facilities block which had its official opening last September.

Holidaymakers have responded with a series of glowing online reviews, calling it “the Hilton of campsites” and praising the “spotlessly clean” facilities and “friendly, helpful staff”.

Wick River Campsite officially reopened under the management of Wick Development Trust in June 2022. Profits will ultimately go towards local regeneration efforts.

Alistair Jack has taken over as chairman of the development trust, with Jonathan Miller as vice-chairman.

Mr Jack reported this week: “Bookings are up a whopping 68 per cent.”

He says the overall goal is to boost the local economy by encouraging tourists to stay longer in the area.

The progress made by the development trust was acknowledged at the monthly meeting of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council on Monday.

Community council chairman Allan Farquhar said: “They’re delighted with the way the new reception has come together. It’s a first-class service, everybody is absolutely the moon about it, and their bookings have gone through the roof.

“They are now looking to start improving the pathways leading to the campsite.”

One recent review on Tripadvisor stated: “What a fabulous site this is… has everything you need for a perfect relaxing break.”

A further review declared: “This is the Hilton of campsites, a lovely place with superb facilities and friendly, helpful staff… the whole place is spotlessly clean. We stayed for two nights and were sorry to leave.”

Another said: “Good location for a river walk or a walk into the town.”

A survey in 2023 found that visitors to the campsite were contributing well over £600,000 to the local economy that year.

The work put in to revitalising the site was recognised with two awards in September 2024.

It was named as Social Enterprise of the Year at the Highland Third Sector Interface awards and then received the Community Business of the Year award at the 50th anniversary dinner of Caithness Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Jack is chief officer of Caithness Voluntary Group as well as being chairman of Wick Development Trust.

Funders for the reception building are Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Dounreay Socio-Economic Fund and the SSE Sustainable Development Fund.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.