Owners of campsites along Scotland’s North Coast 500 have expressed conditional support for a proposed motorhome levy, stating it should be applied “fairly to everyone.”
The comments follow discussions earlier this month on potential taxation for motorhomes visiting the Highlands, which included Highland and Islands MSP Emma Roddick, representatives from the Scottish Government, Highland Council, North Coast 500 Ltd, and the caravan park industry.
Lynn Redfern, owner of Dornoch Caravan and Camping Park and secretary of the Highlands Caravan and Campsite Association, highlighted concerns that the levy could be “unfair” if it only targets motorhomes staying on campsites, while those that choose wild camping remain untaxed.
“I’m not sure about the vehicle-based scheme, but it’s better than the proposal that only targets motorhomes staying on campsites,” she told The Press & Journal.
“Because that would be highly unfair, that if you stay in a lay-by or a car park or on the side of the road, you don’t have to pay the levy. And we feel that by doing that, our prices would increase and it would be more of an incentive to choose the free option. So, anything’s better than that scenario.”
Redfern added that implementing a levy only on campsite visitors could place additional strain on parks that are already struggling with rising business rates and nearby free camping options. She warned that “an unfairly implemented visitor levy would put ‘the final nail in the coffin’ for struggling caravan parks.”
The Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill was passed at Holyrood this week, granting local authorities the power to choose between a percentage-based or flat-rate levy.
The legislation would apply to all overnight accommodations, including campsites and caravan parks, but feedback from accommodation providers indicates a preference for a flat-rate system.
Redfern also raised concerns over the use of funds collected through the levy. “We have been told that they’re possibly going to take the money generated from the levy and put in more facilities, like waste and water, for people not staying on campsites. Which would encourage them to wild camp rather than staying with us. And that, again, is a complete no-no,” she said.
She suggested that the funds would be better spent on enhancing visitor experience, such as upgrading parking or improving public spaces.
When asked if she would support a levy applied fairly to all motorhomes, Redfern said, “Some like the idea of a visitor levy, some not so much. I’m not that keen on it, because it will make our prices higher, but as long as it’s done fairly to everybody, then I’ll tolerate it.”
She added that while some areas in Scotland may benefit from visitor taxes, much of the Highlands is not consistently overburdened by tourism, and imposing additional levies could harm campsites already facing occupancy challenges.
Highland Council confirmed that campsites would be included in any visitor levy process. A spokesperson said, “At the meeting of The Highland Council on December 11, elected members agreed to await the intended new primary legislation for either a single fixed amount or a range of fixed amounts for different purposes or areas. A report will be brought forward to a future meeting to decide the way forward. Should members decide to consult on a new proposed Visitor Levy Scheme for Highland, a 12-week statutory consultation would be undertaken.”
For outdoor hospitality business owners, the discussion underscores the importance of monitoring potential local taxation policies and advocating for equitable treatment across accommodation types.
Understanding how levies are applied could influence pricing strategies, occupancy planning, and investment decisions in regions where free or untaxed alternatives exist.