'I see tourists pee in front of my house': The campervan problem on the Isle of Skye

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. 'I see tourists pee in front of my house': The campervan problem on the Isle of SkyeImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Campervans are a familiar site on Skye's roads during the summerBySteven McKenzie, Highlands and Islands reporter and Gilleasbuig Macdonald, NaidheachdanPublished4 hours agoMore than 30,000 trips by campervans and motorhomes are made to the Scottish Highlands every year - with many of them touring the Isle of Skye. For islanders, the tourists play an important part in the local economy. But some visitors bring significant challenges too - leaving litter and even toilet waste in the stunning landscape.

NatureScot's Scottish Outdoor Access Code, external asks people to access the countryside responsibly and "leave no trace". Image caption, Julia Dawber says people should be discreet when nature callsJulia Dawber's home overlooks an expanse of scenic coastline, and she says as many as nine campervans can park up near the shore at any one time. "When I'm having dinner people are coming out and going for a pee - I can see it," she told Alba's Eorpa programme.

The Details

"There's tissue sometimes left. It's just absolutely disgusting. "Julia added: "I know that there's no toilet facilities here but there are trees and there's rocks and you could easily be discreet, but some of the people are just choosing to be brazen and they're just doing it right by the road.

"Image caption, Danielle Stewart says responsible campervan trips allow her to see beautiful placesFacilities such as public toilets and waste disposal points - particularly the lack of them - are a big issue in parts of Skye. Home to just over 10,000 people, it has few urban areas and is largely an island of dramatic mountains, rugged coastlines, and crofts. Photographer Danielle Stewart travels all over the Highlands in her campervan in her free time and for work.

Skye is one her regular destinations. "It's freedom - you can wake up in beautiful places. That's the best thing for sure," she said on the benefits of owning a campervan.

What Experts Say

She added: "Over last winter I went to Spain and Portugal for three months and that was great – it's a very different van life in Europe though, because they have facilities. "Image caption, Calum Beaton has had some unpleasant experiences of toilet waste in his fieldsCrofter Calum Beaton has found chemical toilet waste dumped in his household bin, and human excrement left on the land he farms. He blames people who stop overnight by the sides of roads in campervans and cars for the mess.

"I remember a day last year, another lad was with me and waste and paper had been left there and he had taken sheep in and the next thing we noticed that the dog was covered in it," said Calum. "The dog had to be cleaned before being put back in the van. "Image caption, Sarah MacKinnon believes the vast majority of visitors act responsibilySarah MacKinnon, who runs Mrs Mack's takeaway in Torrin, in south-west Skye, said most visitors acted responsible.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.