A new pilot scheme allowing overnight stays for campervans and motorhomes is set to launch in Burghead as Moray Council looks to manage visitor demand while supporting the local economy.
The trial will run from the 1st of April to the 30th of November 2026 at Station Road car park, covering the peak tourism season.
The move follows a public consultation which showed strong support for designated overnight parking, with the council aiming to strike a balance between welcoming visitors and protecting local communities.
Burghead has been selected as the test location due to clear local backing and the availability of nearby waste disposal facilities at Burghead Harbour.
Under the scheme, self contained campervans and motorhomes will be permitted to stay overnight between 6pm and 10am, with a maximum stay of one night.
A charge of £7 will apply, payable through the council’s PayByPhone parking app.
New signage is being installed at the site, setting out the terms of use and directing visitors to nearby shops and local facilities.
Moray Council says the pilot will provide a controlled and safe option for overnight stays, helping to reduce informal parking while encouraging visitors to make use of local businesses.
Head of Operations and Environment Nicola Moss said the trial would allow the council to assess how such schemes work in practice.
“This pilot is about finding a balance between welcoming visitors and respecting local communities.
“Burghead provides a good location to test how a managed overnight stay scheme works in practice, and the trial will allow us to gather real world evidence and listen carefully to feedback.”
The council has said no long term decisions will be taken until the results of the trial have been fully reviewed.
The scheme reflects growing pressure on popular coastal areas, where increased numbers of campervans have raised both economic opportunities and community concerns.
Moray Council will use feedback from residents, visitors and businesses to determine whether similar schemes could be rolled out more widely.
A new overnight parking pilot for campervans will launch in Burghead this April, as Moray Council tests a managed approach to tourism and local impact.
