A community owned campsite on the Isle of Skye is showing how tourism can bring lasting benefits to local people while helping tackle some of the pressures created by the island’s popularity with visitors.

Camping Skye, operated by Broadford and Strath Community Company, has expanded its facilities with financial support from Highland Opportunity Investments Limited, the business loan company owned by The Highland Council.

The investment has helped create additional motorhome pitches and a flexible event space, allowing the campsite to accommodate more visitors while generating income for community projects.

Before the expansion, more than 4,000 visitors were being turned away each year, often leaving motorhome owners searching for somewhere else to stop.

That contributed to concerns about vehicles parking in roadside laybys and the associated pressures of litter, waste disposal and informal camping.

With additional pitches now available, the number of visitors turned away has fallen to fewer than 1,000 annually.

For Broadford and Strath, the benefits extend well beyond providing somewhere for holidaymakers to spend the night.

The campsite creates local employment, while all profits are reinvested into projects intended to improve life for residents.

Established in 2003, Broadford and Strath Community Company has developed an extensive programme of local initiatives covering recreation, the environment and community facilities.

Its achievements include the Broadford Community Garden, the Growers Hub and a network of community paths.

Current projects range from expanding Broadford Community Woodland and establishing a tree nursery to supporting outdoor education and mental wellbeing.

The organisation is also involved in providing public toilets in Broadford and Elgol, developing the Skye Cycle Way and supporting plans for the South Skye Community Campus.

The campsite expansion was supported by a Community Enterprise Loan Fund award in 2023, which helped finance additional pitches and the Skye Event Space.

Jackie Hendry, Chair of Highland Opportunity Investments Limited, said:

“Highland Opportunity Investments Ltd were delighted to offer Community Loan assistance to BSCC to enable their expansion plans for the campsite.

“This community organisation recognised the need for additional pitches to discourage lay-by parking and the subsequent negative effects, whilst providing employment and opportunities for income to be invested into the local community for valuable projects.

“We wish them continued success.”

The development was made possible through support from several funding partners, including the Scottish Land Fund, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The Highland Council and the community company itself.

Jeff Geary, Volunteer Director of Broadford and Strath Community Company, said:

“Firstly, I would like to thank the excellent team at Camping Skye who have really made this project an on-going success fulfilling all of our primary objectives and now providing essential funds for our community projects.

“This initiative was built on multiple funders, the Scottish Land Fund, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise as well the BSCC.

“The HOIL loan was the critical final component that allowed the project to go ahead, and we are very grateful for their involvement.”

The organisation’s work has already received national recognition, including the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2022.

In September, President of Ireland Catherine Connolly visited to learn more about how the community combines tourism development with local priorities.

For an island where visitor numbers create both opportunities and challenges, Camping Skye offers an example of tourism infrastructure owned by the people who live alongside it.

Rather than seeing the benefits disappear when visitors leave, the community has created a business that helps fund improvements throughout the year.

And that may be the most important achievement of all, ensuring that Skye’s popularity contributes directly to the future of the communities that make the island such a special place.