Motorhomes to the Highlands
The Scottish government are said to be furious at the high number of motorhome and campervans 'flocking' to the Highlands and Islands in these trouble times and called it irresponsible behaviour.
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It is difficult to comprehend why they would want to go. We had a trip planned in May / June which included Durness and Altnahara. Not much in the way of medical facilities if you are taken seriously ill. Why would you want to go? Given the incubation period you could already be harbouring the virus and fall ill after arrival and of corse pass it on to others.
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I have just been looking at the the morning news programme ,and Scotlands chief of medical services (a very well informed man)has just reiterated and asking people to please NOT to travel to the more rural areas, as they do not have the facilities to cope with other than the local populations especially the highlands and islands
The National Trust have closed all their parks and house grounds now ,,because of the lack of responsible attitude taken, by "those who are amongst us
"This Garden City is 100 yrs this year and a 23km walk has been way marked,around the town,and with it being a lovely day many were out walking the centenary walk yesterday , and it was very noticeable just how many were walking in close groups
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It's exactly the same situation in Cornwall.
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just spoke to sister in law who is manager of a well known holiday/camping company, they took decision yesterday to close all facilities but remain open, but she says they are taking a hammering on face book and are going to re-consider today
and will probably close completely0 -
Don't expect this club to act to close their sites any time soon..... the speed of decision making makes a sloth seem speedy. It shouldn't need to wait for office opening on Monday, the directors should be talking and deciding NOW. This needs a media campaign to stop these selfish s8ds travelling and send them home. The clubs are not doing themselves or their members any favours by effectively encouraging such behaviour by staying open.
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The BBC put on an article with photos today of a young family, Mum, Dad and baby "self isolating" in a campervan on a site near St Austell. They had just returned from Portugal (living in their van.) I was surprised the BBC even promoted this idea, it looked as though they'd ok'd it...the couple stated they have family they could go to in an emergency. This is how viruses get transported from one country to another.
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I suppose the good thing is that they're self isolating - if they truly are. I dont want to trip over them in Asda.
I agree, it's not the wisest thing for the BBC to publicise.
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Earlier today on Scottish TV a Government Minister asked that motorcaravans stay at home until the Covid19 crisis has passed. It was said that the Police will be used to move vehicles on and that powers may be taken to make this legally enforcible.
This is in order to minimise pressure on already stretched emergency, health and local services. The point was made that that rural Scotland is not a suitable place to self-isolate. This is especially true if sites close and wild camping is relied upon. One can imagine that serious hygene, water and waste issues will arise.
My wife and I decided to stay home some time ago because of the risk of being taken ill and hospitalised far from home and far from the campervan.
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A neighbour's daughter had to ring the police yesterday as she couldn't gain access to her home. The way was blocked by people who had parked inconsiderately on the narrow road as they wanted access to the hills above her, Moel Fammau on the Clwydian Range. There were apparently hundreds of people up there. The police were livid and issued several parking offence tickets.
Selfish, selfish people. There does seem to be an awful lot of them around.
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Same here in rural Lancashire. Just back from a short stroll, traffic is awful, lots of motorhomes and camper vans parked on the moorland roads.
A bit like the Alps when the Tour de France is passing through.
And one of the village pubs has a big sign up saying “pub closed, but phone ……… for takeaway food and beer “ lots of people sitting outside the pub eating and drinking, all in holiday mode. Crazy times .😱
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Mmmm. That might present a problem for my daughter and husband. They are moving to the Isle of Lewis to live next Saturday. She is a nurse and will be working for the hospital in Stornaway. In order to get to Lewis, they will go in their campervan and pull over for the night.... It's too far to do it in one journey...
David
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David, If your daughter and hubby have an OFFICIAL REQUEST to go to Stornoway / Lewis it could be worth calling the Scottish Police & informing them of what they will be doing. Also they could, perhaps, ask said Bobbies if they know of any safe over-night stops for them to use.
And, like Brue, I hope they get there safely, do their Good Works, and get back home OK in due time.
Brian
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I cannot imagine for one moment that your daughter would be moved on in the circumstances you mention. Leave a note on the dash, "Nurse going to work," or some such. Heaven help any officer who gave her a bad time. On the contrary, given the profound appreciation invoked for what she is doing, she is more likely to get an escort! Can I add mine by the way.
A note to https://www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/ may ease concerns.
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It's not the police that may be the problem David but there is a lot of anti Campervan/Motorhome feeling in the Highlands at the moment so the sign in prominent place may well diffuse any aggro from the local population.
Good luck to them.
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I wonder if by contacting the police to inform them of their reason for travel they might be invited to park in a police station yard for the night.🤔 It would be safe.
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And one of the village pubs has a big sign up saying “pub closed, but phone ……… for takeaway food and beer “ lots of people sitting outside the pub eating and drinking, all in holiday mode. Crazy times .😱
Pliers, my sympathy for the locals. We know how you feel.
This is why an edict has to be passed as there are still too many idiots about. People will just find away around the situation if they can.
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David let your daughter know the Scottish Government has just announced the have instructed the ferry companies to only transport residents to the islands.
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Key workers as well, nomad.
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I quite understand why people from the nearby towns have decided to have a stroll or a hill walk today. Don’t blame them, weather OK and we might all be under house arrest before too long.
What I think is completely weird is the number of people who are driving round at high speed, sound systems blazing from their cars, throwing empty beer cans everywhere.
Right here, right now. Scary.😱
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