Highland MSP wants clarity on steps to prevent irresponsible tourism
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North politician Rhoda Grant wants to know what steps are being taken to avoid a repeat of the irresponsible tourism witnessed in parts of the region last summer.
She is asking the Scottish Government to share its thoughts on how communities can cope with another influx of visitors, and not to treat these measures as "state secrets".
After the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, the rise in UK staycations saw many tourists heading for the Highlands and Islands – resulting in tensions in some areas over litter, dirty camping and inconsiderate parking.
Mrs Grant, a Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, lodged a parliamentary question asking Scotland's rural economy and tourism secretary Fergus Ewing what action would be taken to prevent similar problems this year.
Mr Ewing replied that a visitor management strategy had been agreed, focusing on three topics – education and marketing; investment and infrastructure; and prevention, regulation and reassurance. He said an announcement would be made ahead of the 2021 season "outlining steps taken".
He added: "It should be noted that, although some progress has been made by the Scottish Government and its partners, this will not resolve all the issues. This will require an ongoing partnership approach from relevant authorities and communities.
"Littering, roadside dumping and antisocial behaviour should continue to be tackled through enforcement. The ultimate responsibility for adequate service provision also remains the responsibility of local and national park authorities."
Mrs Grant said: “You would think these plans are state secrets.
“I can see that many people and families will be looking at staying in the UK this year, much like last year, especially if everyone has managed to be vaccinated by July and August.
“It’s predicted that accommodation will be in short supply, especially in areas such as those around the North Coast 500.
"What I would hate to see is dirty camping, litter left by the roadside and irresponsible parking – and I am sure that government ministers do not want that as much as anyone else.
“But what proposals are in the offing, with Easter not far off and people looking hopefully to the summer? Whatever restrictions are in place by then, the country needs to be prepared and we can’t let it drift on as it did last year.
“However, Mr Ewing’s response that the visitor management strategy ‘will not resolve all the issues’ has set alarm bells ringing that communities, councils and park authorities will have the burden of responsibility for enforcement after suffering the stresses, strains and funding gaps left by the pandemic.”
Mrs Grant stressed that she welcomed tourism because of the employment it creates, helping communities in rural areas and allowing small businesses to thrive. However, she would like to see what the Scottish Government’s plans are to develop tourism infrastructure and to promote education to cope with problems on the ground.
She says measures are needed to keep campervans and campers off "unregulated sites and unacceptable camping spots".
