As from 15th July, most holiday accommodation, including caravan sites and campsites, is permitted to open, and travel to caravan sites and campsites for holidays is now permitted. Shared facilities such as toilets and shower blocks on campsites are also permitted to open, enabling sites to accept non-self-contained units from the 15th.

Site owners and managers are expected to follow the Coronavirus (COVID-19): tourism and hospitality sector guidance.

Guests are expected to follow the guidance and rules as set out by the site owners to ensure compliance with relevant health and safety.

Although camping is permitted, some sites are choosing not to open, or are opening at reduced capacity, and users are recommended to book in advance, and to plan out their trip well ahead of time, particularly if visiting multiple locations.

Wild camping is also now permitted. Wild camping must be carried out responsibly and wild campers are asked to follow the guidance set out in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

All visitors and tourists, regardless of accommodation type, are asked to respect the environment and the destination that they are visiting. The majority of people will act in harmony with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code but for those committing criminal acts such as vandalism and pollution, Police Scotland have the powers to intervene.

Related information

Prior to opening operators should refer to the full relevant guidance:

• tourism and hospitality sector guidance
• guidance for businesses on social distancing
• second home guidance
• Association of Scotland’s Self-caterers
• National Caravan Council/British Holiday and Home Parks Association – for all aspects of preparation for safe operating see relevant section of UK Hospitality

And take appropriate action including, but not limited, to:

• carrying out a risk assessment, considering factors that may be impacted by re-opening of the site such as requirement for physical distancing, local traffic, local supply provisions, etc.;
• conducting routine checks and take all measures appropriate to reopening after a prolonged closure
• making adjustments such as signage, blocking off areas and road / floor markings to ensure physical distancing is maintained between accommodation units and between users as required;
• consider the need for additional waste management arrangements
• consider implementation of a one way system where possible
• consider the use of footpaths and cycle paths in terms of signage and physical distancing requirements.

Source: Scottish Government