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Wick campsite ‘in for a bumper year’ with town centre set to benefit from profits





The Bruce family at Wick River Campsite’s community open day. Picture: Alan Hendry
The Bruce family at Wick River Campsite’s community open day. Picture: Alan Hendry

The top-rated Wick River Campsite is heading for a “bumper year” which could see it attracting as many as 18,000 visitors by the end of the season.

The latest improvements were showcased at a community open day on Sunday – and the site, operated by Wick Development Trust, is now reaching the point where profits can be reinvested in town centre projects.

A new reception building opened this year as the focal point of a £435,000 revamp. That followed on from a £450,000 facilities block which had its official opening in 2024.

The site reopened under the management of the development trust in June 2022 with the long-term aim of putting profits towards local regeneration efforts.

An open-air seating area at the rear of the reception building. Picture: Alan Hendry
An open-air seating area at the rear of the reception building. Picture: Alan Hendry

Development trust vice-chairman Jonathan Miller, speaking in between giving guided tours during the open day, said: “It has been by far and away the busiest season we’ve had.

“We’ve been fully booked on quite a few occasions already, which is not really normal for this time of year.

“The figures are going to be high all year, by the look of things, so we’re in for a bumper year – there could be up to 18,000 people through the gate this season.

“This will be the first year that our profits are going to be reinvested in the town centre. Up until now they’ve all been reinvested in the developments here.

“We’re looking to identify a few things in Bridge Street and High Street, basically, and see what we can do. That’s the next step.

“All the feedback we’re receiving is brilliant – I think everyone is just loving the new facilities. It really is a brilliant site and the facilities just make it even more enjoyable for everybody.

Wick Development Trust’s chairman Alistair Jack (left) and vice-chairman Jonathan Miller. Picture: Alan Hendry
Wick Development Trust’s chairman Alistair Jack (left) and vice-chairman Jonathan Miller. Picture: Alan Hendry

“We had over 120 people requesting to come along today and I think there’s more than that throughout the course of the day. Everyone seems to be supporting what we’re doing.”

Allan Bruce, chairman of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council (RBWCC), went along to the open day with members of his family.

“What a great addition it is to the town,” Mr Bruce said. “Being a caravanner myself, I am even tempted to take the caravan down and have a weekend here!

“It’s incredible, the amount of work that has gone into it.”

Members of the Rotary Club of Wick with Jennifer Richard (centre, left) and Beverley Miller of Wick Development Trust, standing beside the campsite defibrillator which the club paid for. Picture: Alan Hendry
Members of the Rotary Club of Wick with Jennifer Richard (centre, left) and Beverley Miller of Wick Development Trust, standing beside the campsite defibrillator which the club paid for. Picture: Alan Hendry

A group from the Rotary Club of Wick attended the open day. The club had paid for a defibrillator which is attached to an outside wall at the reception building.

The open day featured a barbecue as local people took the opportunity to inspect the new facilities that have been described in online reviews as “fabulous”, “spotlessly clean” and “second to none”. Holidaymakers have also praised the “helpful, welcoming and friendly” staff.

RBWCC heard at its June meeting that the campsite attracted more than 5900 visitors during the first two months of the 2025 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.

Holidaymakers have praised the campsite as ‘fabulous’ and ‘second to none’. Picture: Alan Hendry
Holidaymakers have praised the campsite as ‘fabulous’ and ‘second to none’. Picture: Alan Hendry
Jennifer Richard (left) and Pamela Jack were serving burgers and teas during the community event on Sunday. Picture: Alan Hendry
Jennifer Richard (left) and Pamela Jack were serving burgers and teas during the community event on Sunday. Picture: Alan Hendry
The front of the new reception building at Wick River Campsite. Picture: Alan Hendry
The front of the new reception building at Wick River Campsite. Picture: Alan Hendry
Lounge area within the reception building. Picture: Alan Hendry
Lounge area within the reception building. Picture: Alan Hendry
The open-air seating area at the rear of the reception building. Picture: Alan Hendry
The open-air seating area at the rear of the reception building. Picture: Alan Hendry
Wick River Campsite sign at the reception building. Picture: Alan Hendry
Wick River Campsite sign at the reception building. Picture: Alan Hendry
E-bikes for hire at the campsite. Picture: Alan Hendry
E-bikes for hire at the campsite. Picture: Alan Hendry

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