This year we opened Urgha Aire, a site designed to service the growing number of self-contained camper vans. An aire differs from a traditional campsite in that it has no toilet or shower block – the campers have their own.
The project stemmed from the concerns brought to the North Harris Trust at community consultation meetings, about the informal parking of campervans throughout the estate. There will always be vehicles overnighting around the island. Some don’t want busy camp sites, those that do, struggle with availability of pitches in high season. The Aire aims to manage some of those visitors by providing six formal pitches with services.
This site was chosen as one of the few available spots within walking distance of Tarbert. Initial reactions were “Why would you want to park next to a recycling site?” however the customers have made positive comments about the outlook over East Loch Tarbert rather than focus on the industrial buildings behind them.
“A great spot to get your van sorted after a few days off pitch and also to catch the early ferry. Very quiet. Great views west and to Skye on a clear day. A short walk to Tarbert's facilities”
We planted a number of native trees to provide some shelter. Those that survived the break-in by sheep will give visual appeal in years to come. We will plant more in the next season.
The site was licenced at the end of March, with the first customers arriving before we had connected the electricity. Payment has been taken by contactless payment on a parking meter. This has allowed the site to run itself, with little input from NHT staff.
A total of 440 tickets were sold for overnight stays to the end of October
The site offers the ability to empty grey and black waste-water and top up with fresh water.
A total of 358 tickets were sold for waste and fresh top ups to the end of October
The site was open during April at a discounted rate -while there was no electricity. With social media soon spreading the word amongst campers and the site appearing on a couple of key camping apps, numbers were soon ramping up. May was the busiest month with 93 paying customers. Electricity was finally made live at the end of May, with the overnight tariff rising accordingly. Numbers declined in June, July and August with a jump up again in September.
The project received 70% funding from the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund to better-manage the visitors in and around Tarbert. It has proved ideal for those arriving late or departing early on the Harris ferry.
“Stayed 1 night as we were catching the 07:20 ferry from Tarbert and is really convenient for ferry”
“Great overnight place to stay if you are on the late ferry to Tarbert Harris.”
The hope that we would increase the visitor spend in the Tarbert shops and bars by attracting people to overnight close to Tarbert appears to have come true.
“Such a great facility. 6 sites all flat too! Water, grey waste, loo disposal and bins. Stunning views and quiet. Walking distance to Tarbert. Call in at Loomshed brewery literally 2 minutes walk down the road.”
“Excellent facilities, and great for the Harris distillery tour”
The site has also improved traffic flows around the adjacent Recycling Site. The majority of visiting campervans now go straight to the Aire, even when wanting to drop waste and use the Chemical Disposal Point. One other operational benefit has been the improved access to the wind-turbine behind the coal yard. It’s now much easier to get service vehicles to the tower -and for the crofters to get out onto the common grazings. The windturbine, now its back in service, is providing green electricity to the campervans.
After its first successful season we would like to thank the CnES staff for their help securing funding. Without grant assistance a £120,000+ capital project like this would never be viable. Thanks must go to the Urgha crofters who have allowed this development to take place on their common grazings. They will receive a proportion of the money taken, in compensation for loss of use.
“Good place to empty your chemical toilet for 3 £1 coins. There are very few on the island, especially if you’re not booked into campsites”
“We used services only. Ideal and happy to pay to be able to empty grey waste, black waste and fill up again. Right next to town and easily accessible for people passing through. Wish there was more of these across the islands and highlands!”
“Fabulous small facility! Pay by card at machine. Electric hook up and water / waste all on hand. Good large and level spaces. Well done to those in charge of this….much needed to help us visitors”
Customer quotes taken from Google, Search4Sites and Park4Night web-apps.
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