Two Islands, Two Stopovers and a Special Announcement

#camping #campervans #islands
A campervan trip down the West Coast of Scotland to look at an island aire and an island campsite, plus a special announcement that concerns any campervanner or motorhomer who wants to visit the Highlands of Scotland.
The special announcement concerns my thoughts on the Highland Council's Highland Campervan and Motorhome Scheme. Essentially the council is offering a voluntary permit scheme which will contribute directly to sustainable tourism in the area.
For full details check out: www.highland.gov.uk or contact [e-mail]
I'm based in the Scottish Highlands and I use a VW campervan to access the great outdoors, where I climb hills, ride my e-bike or gravel bike and just visit some of those places I've never been to. I've been climbing hills and mountains all over the world for 50 years and I'm a former editor of Climber Magazine and The Great Outdoors Magazine.

[@susancameron193]

Great idea. Agree totally about why are campsites not moving with the times and needs of motorhomes. Currently in France and they are the best at it 👍

[@jimf4748]

I agree with your sentiments Cameron. We have a campervan and are fairly self sufficient but we choose to use campsites and 5 van CLs as it puts money into the local economy. There are now too many campervan owners who don't want to pay anything and park anywhere causing annoyance to locals. Lowcost aires would help the problem.

[@liamfinch4129]

You doing good work! We visit the highlands and islands regularly and will be delighted to support the slowly developing trend towards continental style aires. We always try to put something into the local economy by way of thanks for being able to visit wild and beautiful places. Thanks

[@sanclewphotographic]

A beautiful peaceful area where you can relax and enjoy the scenery and indeed being with your good lady absolutely lovely.

[@FionaWilson-w8o]

Well said. Aires and campsites can live alongside each other.

[@gd4997]

Loved it. Also keen on the HC £40 parking scheme. Great job Cameron

[@davidamioffgrid]

Great video and good to see Mrs M on screen! Never been to Gigha before, so that is one for the list. We were also dubious about the Highland Council scheme, but you have explained it well and I think we will probably use that on our next trip. Safe travels and all the best.

[@edwardmacrury5376]

Cameron, you are the peoples champion. Once again excellent video, thank you.

[@abgmac67]

I stayed at the wee site in Tayinloan for three nights a month ago. There was a fresh water tap - no chemical waste through. I had direct access to the beautiful beach. I went over to Gigha with my bike and had a wee look around - the twin beaches were idyllic. The campsite I thought was a bit pricey. I'm not sure about the £40 scheme - nice start I suppose - lets see how it goes.

[@pauljones5066]

Cameron, you chill me out man, you really do - thanks, and respect

[@johnbrown3951]

Thanks for an insight into Gigha. In the two years that I worked in Campbeltown and following five years that I visited on a regular basis to visit family and friends in the village next to the ferry terminal I never did make it across to Gigha which now I look back was a shame. I do appreciate your content that gives me an insight into these places I have yet to visit or reacquaint myself with places been. Thanks.

[@getawaygeese]

Great idea on this initiative and your campsite message - campsite owners need to realise they are not losing trade as those using the scheme would not stay on a site anyway They must keep the price down 5-10 max - even 10 is too high if you are simply parking 10-8

[@junehall2177]

Says the tight couple who brag about 60 odd nights in Ireland & not one campsite. Where did you stay, someone else's land ?? We've watched your disgusting "hite in a bucket vlog, how low can you go ?

[@stevebrown6665]

Seems like a good common sense approach Yes it does seem that the those that own campsites are the ones who complain and a no frills area on their sites seems a cracking idea I for one would pay the £40

[@JosephineG101]

Wonderful video Cameron and fully take on board your comments about using Aires if we are to keep them. On a different 'note' the music you've chosen to use is lovely - what is it?

[@CameronMcNeishOutdoors]

All the music comes from Epidemic Sound, a royalty free website which I subscribe to.

[@thelawman]

Re overnight parking. The new parking area in Inverness is a complete mess with two overflowing rubbish bins and the excess lying all around at 1.30 on a Monday. Typical highland council organisation.

[@CameronMcNeishOutdoors]

Sounds like a typical tourist area in mid-August after a busy weekend. Wouldn't get my knickers in a twist over it. Not ideal but hey, that's the way things are throughout the UK.

[@RonaldGorrie]

40£** then 50£** and so on** then U have got all by the goolays** who's kidin who** 🏴‍☠️

[@CameronMcNeishOutdoors]

@@RonaldGorrie Why so cynical? It’s voluntary. See it as a service.

[@stephenhugill2228]

Best video to date. Love Scotland, you just make it better. Totally agree that campsite owners need to move with the times. It's in their own interests, campervans are on the increase and they are not going to go away!

[@y1sco]

Excellent production Cameron and a great idea if only more would use this facility? Sadly I’ve come across many bragging that they’ve been in Scotland for a week and not paid a penny! I liked the idea in Canada where to visit national parks you pay a fee which supports the infrastructure, Super video keep off the “gear” and you’ll get a thumbs up👍

[@johnarmstrong4015]

hi Cameron, HC stopovers, I think it is good too, but, and there is always a but. Like the forestry ones most only allow 5 five campers and unfortunately there are a lot of visitors that can't read as I have seen up to 12 campers/motorhomes staying in them all packed in like sardines. I love my wee camper but I also like a wee bit of space. Thanks for sharing. ATB

[@stephenthompson7208]

It’s a good plan, £40 is putting money back into the area, unfortunately those with an entitlement complex will complain!!!

[@CameronMcNeishOutdoors]

@@stephenthompson7208 No doubt Stephen, but it is voluntary.

[@stephenthompson7208]

@@CameronMcNeishOutdoors absolutely, let’s hope that sensible travellers see the benefit this scheme could create

[@Lakesman5308]

What was the special announcement 😂 must have missed it

[@sirvingo3336]

Going up to the hills 4 times a month in your own country. £160. Nothing to complain about eh? £1920 a year to climb your own hills. Aye, nothing to complain about,🤣🤣😂

[@yorkslad9589]

An excellent idea which could help bring down some of the prices charged by some of the big boys who don't seem to understand the concept of touring in a motorhome / camper. We don’t necessarily want to stay in the same place for a week or a fortnight.

[@alexmacleod9727]

Most of the names on the Western Isles pages, moaning about tourists, aren't Hebridean names...

[@BoredManOutdoors]

Bravo... Fine words 👏👏👏

[@davidhall8745]

Lovely video Cameron and added those two stops to the list. I agree with the 40 quid proposal and very common across Europe. We are wardens on a very small campsite in Dumfries and Galloway so see many tourists going up and coming back down from up North. It seems the honeypots of Skye and NC500 are always on the agenda!

[@andyclough285]

Agree Cameron, sick of trying to book campsites who only take 2-3 night bookings. Like you I have no need for anything but a quiet flat area of land with maybe a waste/water fill every 2-3 days.

[@andyclough285]

Also.....you've provided our first few nights for our 2 week trip up the West Coast in September...thank you.

[@CameronMcNeishOutdoors]

@@andyclough285 Wonderful. Have a great trip.

[@timsands7288]

Well said Cameron re campsites offering aire facilities, We stayed at the Cullen and Findhorn aires earlier this month. I was very happy to pay £15 and £17 to stay in beautiful spots with water and grey and black waste facilities. Booked online and ANPR to let us in. I think the main clubs need to also provide these facilities.

[@eleanorkidd5840]

Well done Highland Council

[@borisvondoofenschmirtz3488]

So, how is this policed then….

[@CameronMcNeishOutdoors]

@@borisvondoofenschmirtz3488 It’s a voluntary scheme. Why would you police it? The overnight stops in question, car parks, will come under the normal parking regulations. The scheme allows you to stay in designated car parks between hours of 10pm and 8 am. Outside those hours normal parking charges apply.

[@Sylvestra1745]

Great information Cameron. Sadly the self entitled culprits who cause the problems will not listen to anyone. They are not capable of understanding that you CANNOT 'wild camp' in a campervan and think it's OK to camp wherever they like. These people will not pay the £40, their self entitlement tells them the rules don't apply to them. I would be happy to pay £40 if I was 'doing' the NC500, but I won't be returning to that area again. I visited many times but not since the aberration that is the NC500. I will though, have a look at visiting the camp site on Gigha and the one on Seil. Thank you. But please Cameron ...it's Is-LAH and NOT Is-LAY!

[@SallyJones-z8j]

oh Cameron McNeish i love you ! you warm the cockles of my heart, we have once again really enjoyed your post, and we totally agree with your sentiments, A couple of years ago we stayed in a magnificent site on Harris:- the West Harris Trust at Talla Na Mara which helps locals in a pretty remote place, why would you not stay there, we had 2 nights, £30 a night with electric and fabulous toilets and showers which were immaculate, (earlier this year we stayed in a council car park under Bambourgh Castle which was initially a trial and i think is not permanent for £10 again we have no problems with this as it helps local communities) These locations on your post look wonderful

[@logwood6721]

Looks great and sounds like a great place to go.... On my list now 👍 Thanks Cameron 😊

[@philbull818]

Well done. Keep campaigning for Aires. There is a place for both Campsites and Aires. I think the Highlands scheme is a great idea, even for only a couple of nights in a week.

[@thelawman]

Such overnight parking for campervan and motor homes without proper facilities such as toilets is poor planning. Were not all running around in expensive motor homes.

[@thelawman]

Good idea but should not be voluntary. Torveen sute must have cost the council meaning us a fortune We as resudents are giing to gain nothing, probably higher taxes to accimudate passing through motor homes. Its a but naive to depend on honesty

[@sida7855]

Have been following the Council V Static Holiday Park operators shenanigans. The most prominent whingers ( Dornoch) have at least 25 statics on their park so I wouldn't call them a campsite. Had the same thought as you said about a cheap stopover. We have stayed on the same thing in France and Germany - no bells and whistles - quite often free but you pay for water. Granted they will not make as much money, but better than nothing. Keep making these videos, you are doing a great job.

[@fionavickers7946]

Another great vlog, I think we said "yes Cameron" throughout it! The scheme is a good idea and we always look for sites under £15 and have found some great places, including one recently you reviewed - the Grampian aire. Keep the reviews coming 🚐

[@markb1971]

Went to gigha a couple of Christmas's ago . It was very quiet . Wonderful . The shop up the hill was open . John I recollect . It's also a chippy on certain nights and a post office !

[@bobreid4553]

Great video as usual, visited Easdale last October in " The Bothy " and was parked up in the same spot but most places were shut for the winter including the Museum and Oyster bar but the short ferry trip to Easdale made up for it. wish we had visited Giha but gives me an excuse to go back to the area

[@AudreyHaughton-q4d]

Lovely..... grand ...... nice to see ur wife too......xx

We agree wholeheartedly. We recently visited Tomintoul for the HIghland games. On our journey North we stayed at Hawick in the designated free motorhome stopover with water and CDP. We spent money in the local shops, cafes etc and visited the local parks. Then a stay at Dalwhinnie at 'The Apiary Cafe', again free if you buy a coffee and cake ( which was delicious, and highly recommend). Motorhomers must use their common sense, use the facilities that are being offered, and contribute to the local economy. Keep up the good work Cameron!!

[@jasonnicol8302]

Great new video, we do look forward to your instalments. Gigha is lovely, went there around 6 years ago with the labradors. Visited the gardens also.

[@kwakaboy59]

Great idea to help the community with costs of repairs to roads and clear ups from inconsiderate campers and motorhomers. Cannot understand why nobody has put a toll on the Applecross peninsula road that is almost exclusively used by tourists to the area. Locals obviously don’t pay. The larger the motorhome the more expensive to help with the road and roadside maintenance. That was a beautifully filmed, calming video Cameron 👌Perfect for a hot summer afternoon in the garden in Northamptonshire dreaming of escaping to the Highlands and Islands again in the next few weeks. Thank you 🙏

[@simongreen2510]

Great vlog. I skipper at Seafari, don't forget Easdale also hosts The World Stone Skimming Championship in September. Happy travels.

[@CameronMcNeishOutdoors]

Thanks Simon. Yes, I knew about the stone-skimming champs but I'm afraid I had nothing to illustrate it with. Next time...

[@bethlowell7336]

Hello from Maine USA. Have just found your video and subscribed right away. I want to hire a campervan in 2025 and your video has opened my eyes to a great adventure. Thanks.

[@CameronMcNeishOutdoors]

@@bethlowell7336 Hey, welcome aboard!

[@davidmathie9512]

I don't see the problem with a local tax .European countries have done it for years .Just back from a holiday in Crete and paid 97 euros in local tax . What is annoying is the amount of camper van owners who spend sod all in the Highlands get there fuel and shopping at Tesco in Inverness ,clog up single track roads ,park in lay byes and in front of farmers gates ,drive at 25 mph on the A82/A9 and P**S off locals residents trying to get to work.

[@CameronMcNeishOutdoors]

@@davidmathie9512 I live on the A9 and I’ve never experienced anyone driving at 25mph on it. And would you rather campervanners stocked up at Ullapool’s or Thurso’s Tesco, cos there ain’t a lot of options in the highlands. You obviously never used a campervan because it’s difficult to carry more than a couple of day’s provisions in the tiny fridge. Majority of campervanners spend a lot of money in petrol stations, coffee shops and local restaurants and what shops there are like the super campsite shop at Sands in Gairloch. I don’t have a problem with a tourist tax either but I do have an issue with campsite owners charging upwards of £35 a night for a simple stopover.

[@davidmathie9512]

@@CameronMcNeishOutdoors Agree with the high prices ,Simple Aires are the way to go

[@sirvingo3336]

Ok once a year.Think about the people who stay in Scotland. So a guy staying in Inverness takes his campervan to travel 40 miles to climb hills in his own highland region on a weekly basis has to fork out £160 for a tourist tax. Ok. Please tell me how is this thought out and who is it directed at? I understsand you saying its a good idea for a one off.

[@thenoworriesnomad]

Is the Easdale stopover open during the winter?

[@CameronMcNeishOutdoors]

Yes, I believe it's open all year round.

[@thenoworriesnomad]

@@CameronMcNeishOutdoors I’m going up to the Outer Hebrides for the winter in my van so I may stop there on my way up after I’ve been to New England Bay of course, which is supposed to be nice…

[@DDBizzle]

£40 a week!!!! Starts off voluntary… Scotland won’t be happy until it gets no tourists… everything is eye gougingly expensive in Scotland already…

[@tonypaddler]

I cycle around Scotland regularly and having to pay £22 per night to pitch my 1 man tent on some sites is quite painful when in the same field is a large campervan with family paying the same as me. It certainly isn't cheap at times.

[@CameronMcNeishOutdoors]

Agree that we live in rip-off Britain, not just Scotland but £40 a week which includes overnight car parking fees should you choose to use them and free entry to a large number of swimming pools, sports facilities etc is, in my mind, pretty good value and the money is earmarked for improving infrastructure. And whatever the future may hold it is currently a voluntary scheme. Would you rather the Highland Council simply banned campervans and motorhomes, as other councils are trying to do? Try and see the benefits rather than making up negatives that don't exist.

[@tonypaddler]

@@CameronMcNeishOutdoors I find it quite shocking that some councils are trying to ban campervans, and 40 quid per week is a great price for what you get. I'd pay that gladly to use with my pedal bike and tent! 🙂 I myself am thinking about replacing my car with a small campervan next year and as it would predominantly be for Scotland trips I'm keen to see what progress is being made regarding them.

[@alasdairmackenzie905]

Eh ! £40 a week for all that and you don't think it's a bargain.For goodness sake, it's probably the best you'll get anywhere, not just in Scotland or the UK, but in Europe. All I can say is that you sound like a tight-fisted scrooge who wants it all for free (aka, for someone else to pay for it)

[@gd4997]

@@alasdairmackenzie905 Totally agree. Some believe they pay their road tax etc and "entitles" them to park anywhere. I think £40 is a bargain .....