As part of Scottish Tourism Month, Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) Evelyn Tweed visited Keltie Bridge Caravan Park in her Stirling constituency, recognizing the site’s long-standing role in the local tourism economy.
Managed by Natalie Turner and owned by Cambusmore Estate, the park has operated under its current name for three decades and holds a five-star rating from VisitScotland, according to a report by The Scotsman.
During her visit, Tweed toured the park’s grounds, which include facilities for touring caravans, motorhomes, and tents, as well as more than 45 privately owned holiday caravans.
The park is situated in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, near the well-visited Bracklinn Falls, and also features a neolithic burial site that attracts both domestic and international tourists.
For outdoor hospitality business operators, the visit underscored several ongoing industry trends: a continued demand for well-maintained, experience-rich holiday parks and the economic importance of ensuring offerings are aligned with consumer expectations, particularly in the post-pandemic recovery period.
Operators may find Keltie Bridge’s long-term focus on reinvestment and sustainability to be a valuable case study in how to remain competitive.
Michael Buchanan of Cambusmore Estate, which owns the park, noted that consistent investment in quality improvements has been a priority.
“Recent developments,” he said, “included a top-to-toe makeover of its amenity building so that touring guests can enjoy first-class shower, washing and toilet facilities.”
In discussions with the MSP, Buchanan acknowledged positive trends but also expressed concern about policy uncertainties.
“Uncertainties did remain about the impact of the Westminster government’s inheritance tax and the possibility of a tourism tax in Scotland,” he said. These policy variables remain important considerations for business owners navigating long-term investment decisions in the sector.
Turner, who has managed the park since taking over from her parents in 2017, pointed out that the park’s privately owned caravans provide holiday accommodation that does not compete with local housing stock, a growing issue in popular tourist destinations.
Economic data presented during the visit revealed that Scotland’s holiday parks sector contributes over £991 million in annual visitor spending and supports nearly 18,500 full-time equivalent jobs.
These figures underline the substantial role that parks play in rural economic sustainability and national tourism strategy.
Tweed, who also serves as Convener of the Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Tourism, emphasized the park’s impact:
“It was great to see first-hand the outstanding contribution it makes to local tourism and our rural economy. Local businesses like this are the backbone of our visitor sector—offering warm welcomes and a deep-rooted commitment to tourism.”
As visitor expectations evolve and legislative developments continue to take shape, holiday park operators may find strategic value in monitoring both consumer trends and policy shifts.
With increased attention on infrastructure upgrades, land-use sustainability, and long-term business viability, Keltie Bridge offers insight into how long-standing parks can adapt and thrive in today’s competitive market.