Community’s chance to see ‘fabulous’ Wick campsite after programme of improvements
Members of the public will be able to see for themselves this weekend why Wick River Campsite is so highly rated.
A community open day is being held there on Sunday, giving local people a chance to view the new reception building which opened this year as the focal point of a £435,000 programme of improvements. That followed on from a £450,000 facilities block.
The campsite officially reopened under the management of Wick Development Trust in June 2022 and profits will ultimately go towards local regeneration efforts.
The community open day takes place between 11am and 2pm. There will be a barbecue with local steak burgers and vegetarian burgers available at cost price.
Anyone wishing to attend is asked to fill in a registration form as numbers need to be limited.
Earlier this month, the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council heard that the campsite is on course for a “bumper year” after attracting more than 5900 visitors during the first two months of the new season.
The figures for overnight stays in April and May were described as “mind-blowing” as community councillors welcomed the latest step in the site’s three-year upgrading plan.
In recent Tripadvisor reviews, Wick River Campsite has been described as “fabulous” and “spotlessly clean” with facilities that are “second to none” and with “helpful, welcoming and friendly” staff.
One review said: “Excellent site. Clean, new, well organised. A pleasure to stay here and wished we’d booked more than one night and planned our NC500 route to include two. Was a shame to leave. The best facilities and site we had on our whole route.”
Another stated: “We stayed here in our caravan for three nights and would definitely come back. What a lovely site. It’s sheltered and picturesque… Plenty of beautiful walks by the river and an easy stroll into the town.”
Another said the site offered “everything you need for a perfect relaxing break”.
Mr Jack is chief officer of Caithness Voluntary Group as well as being chairman of Wick Development Trust.
Speaking at the June meeting of RBWCC, Mr Jack said: “We’re trying to make it a quality campsite.
“A lot of people say it’s the best campsite they’ve ever stayed at, best in the Highlands, best in Scotland.
“Now that the campsite is done, we’re going to turn our attention towards the town centre, to see if we can start looking at other projects.”
A survey in 2023 found that visitors to the campsite were contributing well over £600,000 to the local economy that year.