Moray Council Approves Pilot for Overnight Campervan Parking in Burghead

Exciting news for campervan and motorhome enthusiasts: Burghead is about to become even more visitor-friendly! Moray Council has approved a 12-month pilot scheme allowing overnight stays at the Station Road car park, giving travellers a safe and convenient place to park for the night.

A Community-Backed Initiative

The pilot follows a public consultation earlier this year, which drew over 2,200 responses. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive:

• • 74% of Moray residents and 95% of non-Moray residents supported designated overnight parking areas.
  • Most respondents agreed that a small charge of £7 per night was reasonable.
  • The suggested overnight period of 6pm to 10am was considered appropriate by more than two-thirds of participants.

This consultation confirmed strong local and visitor support for a scheme that balances tourism with community needs.

How the Pilot Will Work

The trial, set to run during the 2026 season, aims to:

• • Provide a safe, designated space for campervan visitors
  • Support local tourism and the economy
  • Test the effectiveness of voluntary payments
  • Gather feedback from both users and the community

To keep things simple and respectful, the pilot comes with clear rules:

• • Overnight parking only (6pm–10am)
  • Self-contained vehicles only
  • One-night maximum stay
  • No waste disposal facilities or outdoor setups (chairs, awnings, etc.)
  • Voluntary payment of £7 via the council’s existing parking app

The pilot’s costs will be covered by existing budgets, and any income will help maintain signage and facilities. After the trial, the council will review results, including income, complaints, compliments, and community feedback, before deciding whether to expand the scheme.

Councillor Marc Macrae on the Pilot

Chair of the council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Marc Macrae, said:

“This pilot is about finding a balance between welcoming visitors and respecting local communities. Burghead was chosen because it has nearby waste facilities and strong local support. We want to see how this works in practice before considering a wider rollout and I’ll watch the pilot with interest.”

More details will be released by Moray Council as the pilot’s start date approaches.