The Highland Council in Scotland has relaxed licencing regulations to allow landowners to create motorhome stopover sites this summer.
The organisation is hopeful a network of sites – called Àirighs, the Gaelic word for ‘shieling’, which is a rough shelter traditionally used by shepherds while tending flocks on summer pastures – could be set up to offer basic services, such as waste disposal, and boost the number of resting areas in the region.
The demand for travelling in motorhomes has ‘intensified’ during the pandemic and created significant pressures for safe overnight parking in rural communities.
The idea is based on continental Europe’s long-established Aires network. Many of the motorhome sites are provided free of charge, while others can be used for a small fee.
“Aires are used all over Europe and Àirighs could offer an opportunity to assist the economic recovery in Highlands,” said councillor Gordon Adam, the chair of the council’s tourism committee.
Alan Henderson, chair of the council’s communities committee, added: “Dedicated motorhome parking areas are provided in many European countries and these bring welcome tourists into well-known and undiscovered areas alike. Aires make suitable night stops all year round. The Highland ‘Àirigh’ symbolises the freedom of motorhoming and reflects the way people are choosing to holiday.
“This approach is necessary in the Highlands to allow us to adapt to the increased popularity of this type of travel and to mitigate the problems experienced in many communities from overnight parking in unsuitable places and congestion caused in beauty spots.”
According to the council, the temporary relaxation in planning laws will remain in place until 31 December, or until the need to socially distance has been removed.
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