MSP suggests 'motorhome levy' on islands trips

The Scottish government has been asked to consider introducing a "motorhome levy" to help islanders better handle increased numbers of the vehicles.

Western Isles SNP MSP Alasdair Allan said the number of holidaymakers travelling to the Outer Hebrides in motorhomes has "shot up".

Mr Allan said the tourism was welcome, but that the isles lacked "suitable sites" and waste disposal points.

He has written to Transport Minister Humza Yousaf about introducing a levy.

Transport Scotland said the cost of ferry travel being reduced by the Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) scheme has had a "positive impact" on island communities, but added it was monitoring and continually reviewing demand on ferry services.

Mr Allan said: "It has been a fantastic thing for our local economies in the Western Isles that we have had record numbers of tourists visiting here and enjoying our island hospitality.

"However, this success has brought its own set of problems and it is readily apparent that our infrastructure has not been able to keep up with demand."

According to figures gathered by the MSP between 2007-08 and 2015-16, all ferry routes to and from the isles had increased numbers of motorhomes and campervans on them.

Among the busiest ferries for numbers of motorhomes were:

Mr Allan said forecasts for the most up-to-date figures were expected to show further increases.

The MSP said: "There is a lack of suitable sites for them, a lack of waste disposal units and the extra space that they require on the ferries has contributed to the capacity problems we have seen over the summer.

"While there has been substantial and welcomed investment by the Scottish government in new and larger ferries, we need to recognise the continued pressure on local people trying to travel in the busy summer months."

He added: "Motorhomes play an important part in our tourist economy and this should not be about making motorhome visitors feel unwelcome.

"They are welcome. This is about recognising the pressures created on infrastructure by such a rapid growth in tourism and providing communities with a new source of funding that they can direct as they see fit."

A spokesman for Transport Scotland said: "We are mindful of the increased demands on ferry services given the affordability of travel following the full roll out of RET in the Western Isles.

"The reduction of fares to RET levels has had a positive impact on island communities, boosting local tourist trade and local economies.

"We want to see this continue, however, we are aware that there have been some challenges for those wishing to travel to and from remote and island communities."

The spokesman added: "Along with operators, we will continue to monitor Scotland's ferry services and frequently review service provision to and from the islands, including all options in regard to demand management measures."