Farm Diversification

The number of caravan nights spent in Scotland is not increasing. Therefore, new entrants seeking customers will do well to attempt to make their site better than, or at least different to, existing sites.

Additional on-site attractions or co-operation with nearby tourist enterprises may reap dividends. Advertising must be planned well in advance, and targeting may help (eg golfers if near St Andrews, etc). Any possibility of extending the season should be capitalised upon.

Caravan parks generally attract 2 types of customer: families with children and older couples. Most caravaners want a certain degree of comfort and expect a high standard of facilities in an attractive location.

Location may determine the type of customer - near rivers, lochs or woodlands may attract a wide array of nature and sports lovers as opposed to a costal site.

For more information on the caravan accommodation market see Profiles of Holidaymakers in the Highlands & Islands staying in Touring Caravans/Motor Homes and Tents (Highlands and Islands Enterprise).

Well-drained, flat site, screened either by trees or topography. Maximum density of 75 units/campable ha (Caravan Club recommend no more than 45 units/ha).

On Type 3 sites, there are a number of regulations concerning spacing, roads, lighting, etc. Must meet standards laid down by the `Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960'. Good road access onto a tourist route.

Type 1 and Type 2 sites: minimal capital costs - only piped drinking water and disposal facilities for waste and chemical toilets required, eg £100 per pitch.

Type 3 sites: requirements include ablution blocks, electricity, hot and cold water. Costs estimated at £3,000 - £4,000 per pitch.

Type 1 and Type 2 sites - minimal costs - eg £70/pitch/year. Type 3 site - estimated at £150 - £250/pitch/year (excluding capital charges and depreciation).

VisitScotland's Quality Assurance Scheme

The season normally runs from April to October (to see average Camping and Caravan Occuplancy statistics 2004).

In Scotland, average occupancy rates are approx. 35% over a 7-month season Type 1 and Type 2 sites: £4 - £8/pitch/night Type 3 site: £5 - £12.50/pitch/night.

The average total daily spend by caravanners is between £12 - £30 per head per day (HIE's market report).

Planning Permission (more likely to be awarded if natural surroundings are considered and not laid out in a 'grid-iron' pattern) Caravan Sites and Control of development Act 1960 Caravan Sites Act 1968 Returns unpredictable, subject to weather, local events, etc.

Stringent regulations on Type 3 sites. Static market, plenty of competition.

Scottish Tourism Industry Training Training to Train Giving staff the skills to provide training effectively.

Excellence through People Encouraging best employment practices in hospitality. Welcome Host Improving the quality and delivery of the tourism product. Scotland's Best A quality service programme aimed at staff, supervisors and management.

Developing Management Skills Specifically aimed at developing skills in management in the tourism industry.

Caravan Industry Training Organisation promote training for all sectors of the industry. this includes: Legislative - health & safety, employment law, consumer law, European law, first aid, water regulations Management - park, customer service, business planning, Investors in People, NVQS.

Through the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) 2007-2013 funding is now available for rural businesses throughout Scotland for diversification and renewable energy projects. Specifically, support is delivered through Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities which was launched in April 2008. For further information about what support is available see the Section on Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities.