Plans for a seasonal caravan site have been proposed in Brora, in the East Sutherland area of Scotland, which promises to bring up to an extra £150,000 a year to the locale.
Two local civil engineers, Neil Morrison and Sandy Skene, are behind the project. Neil currently runs the Golspie Links Caravan Site at Ferry Road.
The 1.5 hectare site originally housed a brickworks and clay pit, dating back to 1818. Upon the closure of the brickworks in 1940, it was transformed into a recreation area complete with playing fields, but it has been lying derelict for a number of years.
Neil has stated that he believes the location is a good choice due to its proximity to the river, and the fact that it is sheltered and the caravans would not obstruct the views of others.
The duo’s bid for the land relies on them getting planning permission for a 23- pitch holiday site.
Neil believes that business will be steady as his Golspie Links site is currently full, and new pitches are always in demand.
Objections to the opening of the caravan site have been lodged by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the local council’s transport, environmental and community services based on fears of flooding and potential lasting ground contamination from the brickworks.
Neil told the Northern Times: “We’ve got our own consultant who will meet with SEPA and see if there is a significant flooding problem.”
In regards to the contamination fears he said: “We can understand the concern about contamination if we were proposing to build permanent residences but caravans do not present the same risk. There are no deep founds and no gardening, cultivation or planting will be carried out.”
Not all local figures are in opposition to the site however. Brora Community Council Chairwoman, Kathleen Cunningham, told the news provider: “We welcome seeing something happen in that particular area of Fascally.”
There are currently just under 70 established caravan sites in the Highlands area, catering for both touring and static caravans, and tourism is an important aspect of the local economy.
