A new pilot scheme permitting overnight stays for campervans and motorhomes is now underway in Burghead, as Moray Council seeks to balance rising visitor demand with the needs of local residents.
The trial, centred on Station Road car park, runs from 1 April to 30 November 2026 and is designed to test whether a structured and regulated approach to overnight parking can support tourism without placing undue strain on the community.
A controlled approach to a growing trend
The initiative follows a public consultation that drew more than 2,200 responses, with strong backing for designated overnight parking areas. Burghead was ultimately selected due to that support, alongside its proximity to existing waste disposal facilities at Burghead Harbour.
Under the scheme, only self contained campervans and motorhomes are permitted to stay. Vehicles must arrive after 6pm and depart by 10am, with stays limited to a single night. A charge of £7 applies, payable through the council’s existing PayByPhone system.
Importantly, the site itself offers no on site amenities. Visitors are instead directed to nearby public toilets and waste facilities at the harbour. The use of external equipment such as awnings, chairs or generators is not permitted, a restriction intended to preserve the character of the area and minimise disruption.
Local economy and community balance
Council officials have been explicit that the trial is not simply about accommodating visitors, but about gathering evidence.
Nicola Moss, Head of Operations and Environment, said the scheme aims to “find a balance between welcoming visitors and respecting local communities,” adding that Burghead offers “a good location to test how a managed overnight stay scheme works in practice.”
Signage installed at the site outlines the rules and directs visitors toward local shops and services, an indication that the council is also measuring potential economic benefit alongside community impact.
Data before decisions
The pilot will be closely monitored throughout the peak visitor season, with the council assessing usage levels, revenue generation and feedback from residents, businesses and visitors alike.
At the conclusion of the trial, councillors will review the findings before deciding whether to expand, modify or abandon the approach altogether. Any broader rollout across Moray will depend on the evidence gathered in Burghead.
For now, the scheme stands as a contained experiment in managing a modern tourism reality: the steady rise of mobile travel, and the question of how communities choose to accommodate it without losing control of their own spaces.
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