Moray Council launches consultation to establish scheme allowing motorhome users to stay overnight at nine locations across region including Lossiemouth, Buckie, Forres and more

A consultation which could see a number of locations across Moray approved for overnight stays for campervans and motorhomes has been launched.

Moray Council has identified locations in Lossiemouth, Cullen, Buckie, Forres, Portgordon, Burghead, Ballindalloch, Craigellachie and Aberlour for the scheme which will aim to provide convenient short-stay, on-the-go overnight parking options.

There are currently no authorised locations for overnight stays for campervans and motorhomes on council-owned land in Moray.

But the local authority said earlier this year that it had received a number of complaints relating to unauthorised parking at some locations across the region and revealed its intentions to launch a consultation to formally identify areas where they could park in January.

A report published at the start of this year listed 10 potential locations, including:

• Cullen Links, Cullen

• Strathlene, Buckie

• Portgordon Harbour, Portgordon

• Station Car Park, Lossiemouth

• West Beach Car Park, Lossiemouth

• Burghead Car Park, Burghead

• Califer Hill Viewpoint, Forres

• Ballindalloch Car Park, Ballindalloch

• Alice Littler Park, Aberlour​

• Fiddich Park, Craigellachie

West Beach in Lossiemouth has since been removed from the list of possible locations for the scheme.

The report added that the scheme would have a one-night stay limit in place and a fee of approximately £7 would have to be paid although this would largely rely on “goodwill”.

Motorhome users would also not be allowed to set up benches, chairs or awnings.

Communities are now being encouraged to take part in the consultation and suggest alternative locations if they have any in mind.

The online survey covers potential impacts, operating hours and site suitability.

It will remain active until May 16 after which a report summarising the findings will be presented to councillors to review.

Councillor Marc Macrae, chair of Moray Council’s economic development and infrastructure services committee, said: “Moray is a much-loved destination for visitors travelling by motorhome or campervan, and while we welcome that, we recognise the pressures this can place on communities.

“This consultation gives residents the chance to shape a scheme that supports sustainable tourism, while balancing the needs of residents and ensuring that any overnight stay is enjoyable, responsible and well-managed."

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