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Highland Council committee votes to help development of network of Àirighean motorhome facilities


By Philip Murray

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A campervan.
A campervan.

A NETWORK of motorhome stopover facilities could be created in the Highlands after councillors agreed to the support their development.

Highland Council's tourism committee agreed to support a network of Àirighean and related motorhome facilities in response to growing concerns over the pressure that so-called staycations are placing on the region's tourism infrastructure.

An Àirigh is a basic low cost overnight stopover for motorhomes – widely available across Europe and traditionally known by the French name “Aire”.

Tourism committee chairman, Cllr Gordon Adam said the council's current visitor management plan had made "significant improvements to the range of facilities available" but that demand is still rising. He added: "Therefore we need to develop more facilities that meet demand whilst protecting the environment and communities".

"Àirighean and waste disposal facilities are safe areas for visitors that could also benefit the circular economy and reduce pressure points and unsuitable overnight parking.”

At the council’s economy and infrastructure meeting on September 1, councillors were updated on detailed proposals for an economic prosperity fund. The fund is designed to support start-up businesses, growing businesses, and businesses seeking to adapt to new business conditions.

In view of the clear commercial element related to developing sites for overnight stays, it is recommended that any applications for economic prosperity funds from Àirigh developers be eligible for this funding.

And if there is a strategic need in a geographic area for waste facilities and related services, it is recommended that additional grant support is considered. This could be available provided there was seen to be a wider public benefit and the facility being publicly accessible – including for those not staying overnight.

To assist businesses seeking to undertake development the council produced guidance earlier this year on the development of Àirighean – Highland Motorhome stopover sites which has led to a network of Àirighean around Highland.

The council has also been working with communities and a number of commercial campsites to ensure waste disposal options are available around the Highlands for those visiting in motorhomes.

Work is also being undertaken in partnership with the Campervan and Motorhome Professional Association (CAMPA) who promote the range of these facilities through their website and other channels.

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