Findhorn Village Conservation Company prohibit tents around west and east beach car parks

A CHARITY responsible for land and buildings in a local village has been forced to stop people camping at two popular car parks.

Findhorn Village Conservation Company (FVCC) chairman, Frank Allan, has confirmed that the decision to prohibit tents in the dunes area around the west and east beach car parks - including the area known as Henry's Green - was taken to protect the area from unscrupulous visitors.

He said: "This decision has been taken following challenging situations by some wild campers not following the Scottish Outdoor Code. They have been camping in view of residences and lighting fires, despite signage requesting no open fires. A number of fires have been fuelled by vandalised fencing. There has also been irresponsible toilet habits, despite nearby toilet block being open.

"FVCC are trying to balance tourism, protect the delicate environment and manage the impact on residents. Unfortunately a few irresponsible people have made this very difficult."

FVCC was set up in 2011 and its membership is open to anyone on the electoral roll living in Findhorn. In June, 2018, FVCC agreed with Moray Council to allow overnight parking in the west car park because campervans had been parking along the front road in the village, causing obstructions which lorries and buses had to mount the pavement to pass.

Mr Allan said that, in the first two years and before the car park was closed this March there were few issues. However, the problems increased substantially when the car park and the council-operated toilets were reopened after lockdown.

The toilets are operated by Moray Council and are not the responsibility of the Findhorn Village Conservation Company.

"During the week the number of motorhomes varies between four and 23, but at the weekend we have seen 50," said Mr Allan. "At the end of 2019 Moray Council requested we submit planning permission with details of numbers and how long a campervan could stay in the car park. We submitted the application to Moray Council in March 2020 and to date have not been informed of the decision. Once we receive this we will be able to work on any conditions and implement for next year to have a controlled environment."

Meanwhile, FVCC members have erected warning signs and talk to any campers they see in the area and explain why tents are not permitted.

Mr Allan said: "Some are receptive, others hostile and aggressive. The 'No Tents' sign was in place for less than a day but was removed during the night by unknown persons.

"We have contacted Police Scotland on several occasions to see what support can be provided."