SOME motorhome users have been accused of “irresponsible” behaviour in Orkney, with one local resident claiming tourists are ruining an idyllic part of the islands’ scenery.
Robin Marwick, a retired operating theatre practitioner, wrote to Orkney Islands Council (OIC) after witnessing mess left by tourists and their vehicles’ chemical toilets along South Ronaldsay and Windwick Bay.
Speaking to The Orcadian, Marwick said he hoped the council could do something to discourage such behaviour.
He said that the use of the area as a camping site has gotten worse since the Covid-19 pandemic began, adding that Orkney is now “an extension of the NC500”.
Having lived in Windwick for almost 11 years, Marwick said this year has been the worst yet, as far as motorhome numbers is concerned.
“Quite often, over the peak time — mid-July — we could have three motorhomes down there overnight,” he said.
With three spaces in the car park, Marwick said that this prevents other visitors and locals from using the popular site.
“I don’t want to give the impression that we object to visitors coming. I’ve spoken to some really friendly, nice people here,” he added.
“It’s just that some of the motorhome users seem to have this idea that they can do what they want — leave a mess, block the car park, use the beach as a toilet, empty their [motorhome’s] waste water — and it just ruins it for everyone else.”
Marwick said the same problems are affecting the Sands of Wright elsewhere in Orkney, where he used to work, but now says is “too popular due to how busy it has become.”
He added that the problem affects other areas of Orkney as tourists decide to visit the islands after completing the popular NC500 route.
“We’re an extension of the NC500 now, and unfortunately it is attracting some irresponsible behaviour,” Marwick said.
A spokeswoman for OIC said that the local authority is “disappointed” to hear of the issues being faced by local residents.
She added: “Anti-social behaviours such as public urination and defecating are a matter for the police – and should be reported directly to them.
“We have not received reports of rubbish left behind in this area, but if there are large quantities this can be reported through our customer services team.”
The spokeswoman said that because the area concerned is not owned by the council, it cannot erect signage discouraging overnight parking.
She continued: “However, following the concerns that we’ve received, an advisory ‘No Through Road’ sign will be erected on Windwick Road in the coming weeks.
“There is no doubt that further work is needed to educate motorhome, caravan and camping visitors about behaving responsibly while in Orkney.
“Recruitment is under way for a sustainable tourism officer, who’ll be supporting the industry to identify and progress tourism solutions.”
