GUIDE TO RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL 2020 - Roseisle Campervan Hire ...
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GUIDE TO RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL 2020
A MESSAGE FROM ROSEISLE Scotland is an abundantly beautiful and welcoming country. Renowned for our hospitality, it is unsurprising that our incredible country attracts visitors and tourists from around the world. As lockdown restrictions gradually ease in Scotland and tourism begins to restart, it is entirely understandable that Scottish communities and tourists might feel anxious about the ‘new normal.’ The need to respect and protect local communities has never been greater, helping to ensure that we strike the right balance between supporting tourism and keeping the public safe (Visit Scotland). After months of lockdown and restrictions, people are keener than ever to explore Scotland with staycations and holidays. In order to warmly welcome visitors, tourists and operators alike have a significant role to play in mitigating the issues which have caused problems for residents, wildlife and our fragile environment in recent years - namely increased road traffic and irresponsible tourism. Through this guide, we have compiled information and advice from the Scottish Government and various industry bodies to offer a series of responsible tourism recommendations - helping to ensure that all of us can be as well informed and responsible as possible. Ranald Watt, Managing Director Roseisle Luxury Campervans
Coronavirus Guidance Across the UK Each of the UK’s four nations has a different route map out of lockdown, as well as regularly changing advice which differs across borders. Please familiarise yourself with the latest advice in your country and those you plan to visit before you travel. For the most part, we will be referring specifically to the advice in Scotland throughout this guide. All recommendations should be taken in the context of relevant Governmental guidance below. Scotland Northern Ireland England Scottish Government Advice on Northern Irish Government Advice on UK Government Advice on Coronavirus Coronavirus Coronavirus Scottish Government Advice for Tourists During the Pandemic Wales Visit Scotland’s Advice for Tourists Welsh Government Advice on During the Pandemic Coronavirus Transport Scotland Advice on Travelling Scotland During the Pandemic
Use Official Campsites
Wherever Possible
We always encourage tourists using motorhomes or campervans to
use official campsites or designated overnight parking areas where
possible. These sites support the local economy and offer a fantastic
base from which to explore our nation’s beauty.
These are rapidly changing times
With many campsites across Scotland
reopening from 3rd July 2020, the
Scottish Government’s advice is that
shared facilities remain closed until 15th
July 2020 at the earliest, however we are
aware that some campsites may choose
to keep shared facilities closed for the
2020 season. Therefore you should be
prepared to rely on the facilities within
your self-sufficient campervan (many
campsites will request this even if shared
facilities become available).
These are rapidly changing times, so
please check with your chosen
campsite(s) before you travel regarding
safety procedures (e.g. contactless
check-in, pitch and site social distancing
etc.) and available facilities.
Formal
Camping at
a Campsite
If and where you are using shared facilities, please be prepared to queue at the recommended social distance and follow
guidance on the maximum number of people that should be inside. In addition, we ask that guests:
• Respect and follow each campsite’s social distancing and coronavirus policies.
• Empty their toilet cartridge at a campsite facility only.
• Empty their grey water tank at a campsite drain only.
• Wash their hands regularly (ensuring they have taken sufficient soap and/or hand sanitiser for the duration of their trip) especially after
using service points.
“Be respectful of the surroundings, take only memories and leave no trace.”
Informal Camping or ‘Wild Camping’ We understand that it is not always possible to stay in a campsite. It is important to remember that in Scotland informal camping or wild camping is not a right and historically has relied upon the goodwill of landowners. Furthermore ‘wild camping’ legally refers to small tents in remote mountainous areas – “it does not apply to motorhomes, campervans or cars parked at the side of roads, access tracks or car parks” (CAMPA). To camp informally responsibly, we recommend following these guidelines outlined by CAMPA:
When Informal Camping,
Please Do:
Roseilse guide to resonsible travle 2020
Keep informal camping discrete and away Allow at least 4 metres between parked Wherever you choose to visit or stay,
from residential areas (remember, just vehicles at night for fire safety. please be considerate of others (including
because you’ve seen another campervan Motorhomes and campervans often have wildlife) around you and keep noise
parked up doesn’t mean it is acceptable or gas tanks on board which can pose a fire disturbance to a minimum at all times.
legal). Please park at least 100 metres risk. When everyone is awake you can
from a house or another campervan. respond quickly to a fire, but when Br prepared by taking sufficient food,
sleeping you need more time to evacuate water, soap and/or hand sanitiser and gas
Avoid putting up washing lines or picnic a vehicle. 4 metres between units will help with you for the duration of your trip (it
areas in car parks - it is not appropriate. give everyone those extra few minutes may be more difficult to source these
and could save lives. items in some areas at present).
Make sure you park on a hard surface
suitable for the size and weight of your Use only biodegradable detergents and
vehicle. Ensure you will be parked safely drain waste-water tanks in campsites at
and completely off the road (at least 20 designated areas only.
metres from the edge of the road). Do not
cause dangerous situations for yourself or Ensure your vehicle is self-contained with
others. toilet facilities (such as a Porta-potti or
cassette toilet) and waste-water tanks.
Take great care to avoid fragile ground/
sensitive habitats (e.g. wild flowers/rich Support the sustainable tourism industry
machair on the Western Isles). Never drive and local communities - buy groceries in
down to beaches or onto grass verges as local shops, have a coffee or enjoy a meal
it destroys the habitat. in a local pub or restaurant.
Avoid overcrowding and overuse. If Be conscious of the cumulative effect of
another vehicle is parked in a secluded informal camping in some secluded areas.
spot, try not to park next to it. Instead find If the ground underfoot looks worn and
your own spot elsewhere. Respect other overused, find another spot.
people’s privacy.
When Informal Camping,
Please Don’t:
Roseilse guide to resonsible travle 2020
Park in areas where signs state ‘no Negatively affect the local wildlife or Act irresponsibly or anti-socially -
parking,’ ‘no overnight parking’ or where plants in any way, including by feeding including noise pollution, threatening or
there is a campsite nearby. Whether the them human food or by hand. aggressive behaviour, loud music, parties
signs are legal or not, respect the fact that or gatherings.
the sign is there for a reason e.g. to mark Light BBQs or fires unless it is safe to do so
private property or required access to an and you can supervise them properly. Share locations of informal camping spots
area of land. BBQs and fires should be fully online. It leads to overcrowding in some
extinguished when finished, any remnants areas and often the websites do not keep
Stop in a passing place – it’s against the cleared away and no evidence at all left up with the latest guidance.
law. behind. Be aware that some areas may
have complete fire bans due to fire risk in
Park overnight within sight of houses dry weather. Always check before starting
unless it is within a designated motorhome a campfire.
overnight parking area. Respect local
residents’ privacy at all times. Many Empty toilet waste anywhere other than a
harbours and village car parks are used designated chemical waste disposal area
for overnight parking, but these are often on a campsite or motorhome service
unsuitable locations. Church car parks/ point.
graveyards are also not acceptable for
overnight stays. Leave litter. Dispose of all waste (including
animal waste) properly and consider
Block access to roads, entrance ways or picking up any other litter as well. The
tracks to estates and fields – estate Scottish Outdoor Access Code has good
owners need access 24/7 all year round. guidance on how to safely dispose of litter
and human waste.
Exploring Scotland
Responsibly
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code provides guidance on how to enjoy
our beautiful country responsibly. As a result of the coronavirus
pandemic the guidance has been refreshed, with additional
considerations which are especially important for rural communities.
Important considerations
We recommend reading Visit Scotland’s full guide, ‘Outdoor Access
Guidelines During COVID-19 Recovery Phases,’ for full and thorough
guidance on enjoying the Scottish outdoors responsibly. One
consideration particularly important to highlight is:
“Make sure you're not putting additional pressure on an area
that may have a particularly vulnerable community or still be
learning to operate post-lockdown. This is particularly true for
Scotland's island communities, which are mainly accessible via
ferry - which will have limited capacity due to physical
distancing. Please consider the impact of your trip before you
leave the house.” - (Visit Scotland)
Keep in mind that regardless of Furthermore, some communities
the coronavirus pandemic, (such as Loch Lomond) have
Scottish access rights and the established their own guidance
Scottish Outdoor Access Code for campervans and the use of
don’t apply to motor vehicles. designated overnight parking
This is particularly important if spaces with seasonal permits. If
you are looking for somewhere you are in a place with its own
suitable to park your motorhome bylaws, follow the guidance
or campervan overnight (CAMPA).
(Scottish Outdoor Access Code).Eco-Friendly Tourism
Keeping an Eye on Our Carbon Tyre Print
Travel of many kinds incurs a carbon cost and can take its toll on
our planet. As custodians of Scotland’s natural environment, we
all must take our responsibilities very seriously. There are a
number of things we recommend you do to protect the
environment while exploring Scotland
(including a number of great ideas from Visit Scotland):
Look for caravan parks which have received the David Bellamy
Conservation Award, reflecting their commitment to protecting
and enhancing Britain’s environment.
Use the Visit Scotland website to find holiday parks which have
been awarded Green Tourism certification.
Spend more time in one location, embracing the benefits of slow
travel.
Visit during off-peak seasons to minimise overcrowding and
overuse.
Recycle your waste wherever you can.
Use reusable water bottles and coffee cups on the go wherever
possible.
By choosing a Roseisle campervan you will be equipped with
eco-friendly toilet tabs and washing up liquid, efficient diesel
heaters and kitchen utensils that have been consciously chosen
to last.How We’re Making Our Campervans Safer In addition to our responsible travel recommendations for guests, there are a number of actions we have taken to support public health and infection prevention in light of the coronavirus pandemic and inline with Government advice. Appointment-Only Showroom Visits Whether you’re visiting us to hire, buy or service a campervan, all of our clients and guests are being welcomed by appointment only to manage footfall on the premises. Remote Check-In Not only is your hire booking completed remotely, but we can also now verify your driver’s license and check-in your booking without you having to step foot in the showroom. Vehicle Sanitation Our vehicles are always pristine, however our sanitisation process is now even more enhanced. ‘Proof of cleanliness’ tags, as well as seat and steering wheel covers, signify that a campervan has been fully sanitised. Ozone Filtration In addition to enhanced sanitation procedures we have employed a new ozone filtration system designed to remove viruses and bacteria from each of our campervans at the point of turnaround between bookings.
We hope you’ve found this responsible travel guide informative and helpful Our aim is to lead industrial change by giving our guests detailed information on how to respect and protect the communities they visit, as well as doing all we can to make the campervan adventures we facilitate as responsible as possible. Planning a staycation or Scottish holiday? Let us bring your adventure to life. Email: campers@roseisle.com Call: +44 (0)131 653 5023 Visit: roseislemotorhomehire.com DISCLAIMER: This article has been produced for guidance only and does not constitute advice. Copyright © 2020 Roseisle Luxury Campervans. All rights reserved.
Sources
Scottish Government: Coronavirus in Scotland Visit Scotland: Green Tourism Certification
Scottish Government: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance for Retail, Visit Scotland: How to Become an Eco Tourist in 10 Simple Steps
Tourism and Hospitality Customers
Visit Scotland: The Impact of Tourism in Our Communities
Transport Scotland: Advice on How to Travel Safely
Visit Scotland: Get Tourism Ready
UK Government: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
NI Direct: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Welsh Government: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Camping and Caravanning Club: Steps To Safer Camping
CAMPA: Informal Camping
Scottish Outdoor Access Code: Overnight Stays in Campervans and
Motorhomes
Scottish Outdoor Access Code: Litter
Scottish Outdoor Access Code: Human Waste
Visit Scotland: Outdoor Access Guidelines During COVID-19 Recovery
Phases
Visit Scotland: COVID-19 Recovery Phases in Scotland
Visit Scotland: Green Tourism Holiday ParksYou can also read
