The Community Council is keen to hear residents' views on a report compiled on "overtourism".  It was written by Robin Pettigrew of Lochcarron and submitted as evidence to the Scottish Government's consultation on a proposed "Visitor Levy" on overnight short-stay accommodation.

You can read the report "Tourism, but not at any price - Combatting overtourism in Scotland" here.

While recognising that the economic benefits of tourism to Scotland are huge, the report highlights the increased number of visitors to rural areas and the massive environmental impact that this has had.   It proposes a "vehicle levy" rather than an accommodation charge to capture visitors in motorhomes, campervans and caravans and those who choose to "wild camp".  The income generated would be used to support tourist infrastructure, such as camp sites, toilets and waste disposal facilities. 

The report also calls for an education campaign, and for reform of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and Right to Roam legislation, which allows for the right to camp wild overnight.

We are keen to hear your views.  For example, do you agree with the assessment that increased tourism has led to problems here?  If so, what do you think of the report's suggestions to mitigate this?   What are your thoughts on income generation to support better facilities?   Are the ideas contained in the report practical?

You can email your response to fortroseandrosemarkie@gmail.com

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