Motorhome and campervan owners may soon face heightened restrictions amid a growing campaign targeting vehicle camping along Scotland’s North Coast 500 route. Robin Pettigrew, a resident of Lochcarron and administrator of the campaign group NC 500 The Dirty Truth, has launched a landmark petition urging the Scottish Parliament to tighten laws around camping in vehicles.
The petition demands that the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) be reviewed and revised to explicitly ban camping outside designated zones. Pettigrew argues the current model is an environmental disaster, with many visitors ignoring existing guidelines, causing strain on local communities and natural landscapes.
He advocates making the SOAC’s provisions legally enforceable, supported by dedicated enforcement teams and fines for violations. “The Scottish Outdoor Access Code is often disregarded or exploited by rental companies and certain visitors,” Pettigrew told the Press & Journal. “Camping in vehicles should be clearly excluded from the access code and strictly regulated by law.”
READ MORE: Labour Signals Potential Fuel Duty Hike Affecting Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury’s Petrol Prices
Drawing inspiration from New Zealand’s approach, Pettigrew suggests implementing supervised, designated camping areas managed by rangers to better control and protect the environment. Like Scotland, New Zealand’s comparable geography and population make this a viable model.
In response to rising motorhome parking issues, Highland Council has introduced a £40 parking permit scheme aimed at promoting responsible tourism. Councillor Allan Gunn emphasized the importance of accommodating diverse visitors while supporting local tourism priorities. The council has also pledged funding to enhance existing infrastructure and increase the number of council-owned camping sites.
These measures together reflect a growing push to balance tourism growth with sustainable environmental and community interests across Scotland’s scenic routes.