Highland motorhome levy criticised as senior councillors want faith

Senior councillors have defended their decision to persist with a motorhome parking charge despite a poor uptake so far.

The scheme was called an ’embarrassment’ as it looks set to miss it’s annual target by a huge amount.

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Councillors hoped to take advantage of the lucrative North Coast 500 route, using the funds raised to improve services along the route.

Council leaders asked to be given the agreed three-year run of the scheme before judgement is passed.

Council estimates say it won’t reach the revised £20,000 target this year after initially setting a £500,000 goal.

Councillor Ruraidh Stewart said other estimates had put the amount of money generated so far to just £1090.

The voluntary scheme offers a seven-day pass at the cost of £40 and gains access to a number of council parking areas around the NC500 and Nairn during their visit.

At the time, assistant chief executive Allan Gunn hailed the scheme as a “first of its kind by any UK local authority”.

Councillor Stewart said he had warned councillors the charge “was never going to work” and added “it’s not what our communities wanted”.

He continued: “It’s been an unmitigated disaster which failed to bring in even a fraction of the projected income, has damaged legitimate business and has sown frustration among residents.

“What was supposed to be a source of financial stability has turned into a textbook example of this administration’s failed policy.

“This isn’t just a failure - it’s an embarrassment for this council.

“Frankly, I could have raised more money shaking a bucket at Inverness Airport last year.”

Leader of the opposition Alasdair Christie said it “did no harm to try it” but felt “the time has come to actually stop this particular project”.

Mr Gunn reiterated to councillors that money has already been spent getting the scheme set up, and would keep running at no extra cost to the council.

This was supported by several senior council figures, including council leader Raymond Bremner.

Council leader Raymond Bremner said council budgets have already adjusted to gauge the success of the scheme.

He said: “As I understand it, that figure sits at £250,000 over three years.

“So it’s not a failure unless we actually don’t manage to meet that target.”

Councillor Ken Gowans said the scheme was not just about income but to “mitigate irresponsible tourism”.

He added: “Even if it cost us money, it’s something that we need to do.

“But it’s not costing us money, it’s likely to generate some money, however little that may be.”

Council convener Bill Lobban said: “This particular project came to fruition last year when the tourist season was basically over.

“Personally, I think… that we will get to the end of this process and we’ll think, let’s go and do something else.

“But I think we need to give it the opportunity.”

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