Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has brought together tourism leaders, local government and the Scottish Government to discuss how a potential motorhome levy could support communities across the Highlands.
The roundtable discussion was chaired by Ms Roddick and included the Minister responsible for the Visitor Levy Ivan McKee MSP alongside representatives from Highland Council, the North Coast 500 organisation and the caravan park industry.
Participants focused on the pressures placed on Highland infrastructure during the busy tourism season and whether a specific levy for motorhomes could help support local communities.
Tourism remains one of the Highlands’ most important industries, bringing thousands of visitors to the region every year and supporting businesses across towns, villages and rural areas.
However increased visitor numbers have also placed growing pressure on roads, car parks and public facilities during the peak summer months.
Motorhome tourism has become particularly visible across the Highlands in recent years as visitors travel popular routes including the North Coast 500.
During the discussion Ms Roddick highlighted that current proposals for a Visitor Levy focus mainly on fixed accommodation such as hotels and guesthouses.
She said this leaves a gap where many motorhome visitors use public infrastructure without contributing directly to its upkeep.
“I was reassured to hear such a productive dialogue between our local industries, the Highland Council, and the Scottish Government.
“For too long, our communities have felt the strain of increased traffic without seeing a direct reinvestment from every type of visitor.
“Like everyone who travels around the Highlands in the summer, I have seen the massive impact that motorhomes have on residents, without paying back into the local economy or for the public services they naturally put strain on.
“I am committed to finding a solution that is fair to both our local businesses and our guests.
“We want people to come and experience the beauty of the Highlands, but we must ensure we have the resources to maintain the very roads and facilities they come here to enjoy.
“It is about being honest about the challenges we face and caring for the long term future of our home.”
Representatives from the caravan park industry also contributed to the discussion and offered insight into how any future levy could be introduced in a way that does not place unnecessary pressure on smaller tourism businesses.
The meeting forms part of wider discussions taking place across Scotland about how tourism can be managed in a way that supports both local economies and local communities.
Ms Roddick said the ideas raised during the roundtable will help inform future conversations with the Scottish Government about giving Highland communities the tools needed to manage tourism sustainably.
