Maree Todd has praised Wick’s “first-class” campsite after being given a tour of its upgraded facilities.
She described the award-winning project, led by Wick Development Trust, as “a wonderful example of how community-led initiatives can revitalise an area”.
The SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross said Wick River Campsite was being transformed into “a top destination for tourists”.
She also commended the development trust’s commitment to ensuring the community will benefit.
A £350,000 reception building will be the final phase of a three-year upgrading programme at the riverside site. It follows on from the £450,000 facilities block that had its official opening in September.
Wick River Campsite was reopened under the trust’s management in June 2022. The site is operating as a community enterprise and profits will ultimately go towards local regeneration efforts.
Ms Todd was shown around the site by Sarah Lamb, projects manager at Wick Development Trust.
The MSP said: “I want to extend a huge thank-you to Sarah for taking the time to show me around the revamped Wick River Campsite.
“Since taking over the site and operating it as a not-for-profit community enterprise, the trust has successfully secured £450,000 in funding to develop an energy-efficient, net-zero toilet and facilities building.
“This investment has allowed the site to be transformed into a modern, fully accessible and family-friendly destination, ensuring that visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy a comfortable stay in Wick.
“They have also doubled the number of electric hook-up points, installed new entrance fencing, created a new barbecue area and added a children’s playpark.
“These are first-class facilities and will undoubtedly encourage visitors, including those traveling the North Coast 500, to stop and spend time in Wick.”
Wick Development Trust received funding from the Scottish Government, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, RWE and Dounreay to support the construction of the facilities block.
Wick River Campsite’s new reception building will be the final phase of a three-year upgrading programme. Image: Wick Development Trust
Ms Todd added: “A key priority for Wick Development Trust is to attract more tourism to Wick and ensure that local businesses are positioned to benefit from the growing number of visitors.
“This is a wonderful example of how community-led initiatives can revitalise an area, support business and drive long-term growth.
“I look forward to seeing the campsite continue to evolve and offer even more opportunities for visitors.”
In September the campsite was named as Social Enterprise of the Year at the Highland Third Sector Interface awards and then received the Community Business of the Year award at the 50th anniversary dinner of Caithness Chamber of Commerce.
“I was delighted to attend the chamber’s anniversary dinner in September – a fantastic event that celebrated the achievements of local businesses,” Ms Todd said.
“It was inspiring to see so many deserving businesses acknowledged for their hard work and contributions to the community, including Wick Development Trust.”
At the end of the 2024 season, in October, Ms Lamb reported that visitor numbers had increased month on month.
“One of our key goals with the campsite improvements was not only to attract more visitors to the town but also to encourage them to stay longer,” she said. “Comparing this year’s figures to last year’s, we’ve seen a notable rise in the number of people staying more than one night since the new facilities were opened.”
Development trust director Alistair Jack said visitors had commented that “the site is the best on the NC500”.
Wick Development Trust members with guests at the opening of the new facilities block at the campsite in September. Picture: DGS
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