Protecting Argyll and Bute’s stunning scenery and further enhancing its visitor appeal is the aim of a new range of tourism measures unveiled this week.
In response to concerns about the impact of irresponsible visitor behaviour, councillors have approved additional investment and a range of measures. They include:
- Recruitment of four new wardens to help raise awareness of responsible camping and littering across 120 car parks and other key visitor sites;
- A new Staycation Project Officer to engage with communities, businesses and partners on a range of visitor management issues;
- Information in all public toilets signposting to a waste water disposal facilities map to prevent irresponsible disposal.
- Eleven temporary toilets in place at five locations (Westport, Bridge of Orchy, Glen Orchy, Kilchurn Castle and Victoria Bridge).
In addition, the council is working on a number of responsible tourism initiatives with local organisations. They include:
- Council funding of £12,500 to the Friends of Loch Lomond to provide temporary toilets at Arrochar and Luss;
- Council funding for the GRAB Trust to carry out anti-litter activities across Argyll and Bute;
- Engagement with campsite providers to encourage usage of existing waste disposal facilities for visiting campervans and motorhomes;
- Developing a new tourism strategy with Argyll and the Isles Strategic Tourism Partnership;
- Council funding additional police patrols at popular visitor spots.
Councillor Robin Currie, Policy Lead for Economy and Rural Growth:
“Tourism is a major contributor to the local economy, and the increase in visitors choosing to staycation in Argyll and Bute is extremely welcome. Thousands of visitors come to enjoy everything the area has to offer and the vast majority of people are responsible.
“However, we are fully aware of concerns and have listened to our local communities regarding the impact of litter and anti-social behaviour. We want everyone to have a great time and be a great visitor, which is why we have introduced new measures and extended those already in place to encourage responsible tourism. ”
Alongside these activities, officers are working closely with Argyll and the Isles Strategic Tourism Partnership (AISTP) to develop a new tourism strategy, aimed at alleviating any bottlenecks, and encouraging new visitors to the area.
An interactive map showing the locations of filling stations and motorhome/caravan touring sites with details about waste disposal facilities across Argyll and Bute is available on the council’s website /abplace2visit/maps