Glen Etive, Scotland considers an alcohol ban due to increased waste and disrespectful behavior from party campsite tourists.
The Scottish Highlands might add a tourist tax. It could be a five percent charge on stays. One official wants to stop littering first.
A council member wants to ban public drinking. This idea is for Glen Etive, Scotland. He wants to reduce waste problems there; rubbish, campfires, and waste are increasing.
Andrew Baxter represents Fort William. He thinks the issue needs a solution. A no-alcohol rule is required.
Scotland’s local governments can make bylaws. These can ban alcohol in public and apply at certain times or on certain dates.
Baxter is not sure the law will change because public input costs lots of money. He talked about awful things happening. Residents must clean up human waste and repeatedly clean party campsites.
National Trust staff face abuse and people yell when asked to move. Glen Coe and Glen Etive are always busy. Thousands visit year-round now.
They need a law to protect the area. This would help the people and nature, and will also protect the glen’s beauty.
Thousands drive the West Coast 200 route. Glen Etive saw more tourists after “Skyfall.” The movie showed James Bond’s home there. A 2012 campaign blamed tourists, saying they caused soil erosion and showed litter from campers, too.
Baxter learned about consultation costs. Before COVID-19, it was £100,000, and Scottish authorities might not enact it. The Glencoe council discussed costs at a meeting in January. Officials felt costs were too high.
The National Trust wants responsible access. A spokesperson commented on the issue. Rangers tell visitors how to reduce impact and discuss how to preserve the landscape. They have suggested ways to reduce bad camping and will work with others to implement recommended changes.