Worries over heritage visitor numbers if parking charges are brought in

VISITOR numbers at Castlehill Heritage Centre could fall if parking charges are introduced by Highland Council.

That was the warning given by Neil Buchan of Castletown Heritage Society, which runs the centre on the outskirts of the village. The car park is nearby.

He said: "If these charges are imposed there, they will have a direct impact on the footfall at the heritage centre."

Mr Buchan made his comments at the latest meeting of Castletown and District Community Council after Thurso and Northwest Caithness Highland councillor Matthew Reiss outlined the parking charges proposal.

He said the idea is being considered and stressed there will be a public consultation before any decision is made. "Community councils will be a big part of that process," Councillor Reiss said. "Highland Council is identifying the car parks which may be suitable but councillors will have the final word on it."

A range of options will be looked at, although it is unlikely that car parks with fewer than 15 spaces will be included in the scheme.

Councillor Reiss said part of the money raised would come back to communities but he added: "Whatever we do will not please everyone."

He said most places in the UK have parking charges and it would be a way for the local authority to generate some revenue at a time when its budget is under pressure.

Community councillor David Bertram said the council should consider a scheme like the one at John O'Groats where only visitors to the area pay the charge. Local residents are exempt.

Councillor Reiss said various options are being investigated and emphasised that no decisions will be made until after the public consultation.

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