Camping sites enjoy bumper season

Campsites are so busy that holidaymakers have been urged to book ahead

Camping and caravan parks in Scotland are enjoying a bumper summer, according to the Camping and Caravanning Club.

Bookings at sites are up by 18% and motor home companies say sales of camper vans have also risen.

Part of the increase is attributed to a rise in visitors from Europe and the United States who are taking advantage of the weak pound.

The economic downturn is also thought to have encouraged more Scots to holiday at home, rather than abroad.

The Year of Homecoming events may also have been a factor.

Trudy King, who runs a dog-minding service in Cumbernauld, decided to set up a motor home rental business after noticing a change in the holiday choices of customers.

I can see their main holiday going abroad again if they get disappointed with the weather Colin Fraser British Holiday and Home Parks Association

She said: "Basically we were noticing that a lot of people were still going away but holidaying in this country.

"We just thought if that's what people are doing, then hopefully they'll take up the idea of hiring a camper van.

"We're extremely surprised and pleased at how busy we've been and how well it's taken off."

Colin Fraser, chairman of the British Holiday and Home Parks Association, said it was a similar picture across the country.

He said: "I don't think there's a park in Scotland that's not doing well.

"Things are so good at the moment that if people who are buying touring caravans and tents don't book before they go somewhere, they're quite likely to be disappointed because a lot of parks are full."

Weather factor

But Mr Fraser believes only time will tell if the sector continues to flourish.

"Earlier on this year we were told by this long range weather forecast we were going to have a beautiful summer," he said.

"It has not been that beautiful so far. It's all to do with weather.

"A lot of folk who have bought tourers will use them, but I can see their main holiday going abroad again if they get disappointed with the weather.

"And we can't control the weather in Scotland."