A Highlands and Islands MSP is urging authorities to step up and support the travelling community.
Authorities have responded to reports of unauthorised camping at both Alness point and the North Kessock lay-by on the A9 northbound in recent weeks following concerns from residents.
Gail Ross, MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross is now calling for authorities to take action to address the lack of facilities available for travellers.
In a letter to Highland Council Chief Executive Donna Manson and Police Scotland Chief Superintendent George MacDonald, she urged them to make good on their promises in supporting the community.
“It is of great concern that little in the way of progress has been made to support the gypsy traveller community in recent years in the north, despite assurances from Highland Council that they would provide facilities and support camps where possible,” Mrs Ross said.
The SNP minister said the “current pandemic has intensified problems” for some rural communities in the north.
She added: “I can appreciate that many have come to me to express their concerns that summer camps are beginning to form again in the constituency, as in the past there have been real concerns over waste and environmental protection at the sites.
“I would urge all parties to remain calm, considerate and kind to one another.”
Concerned residents have also contacted police to express concern over travellers congregating in Ross-shire.
Chief Inspector Jamie Wilson, Local Area Commander, said: “We have received a number of reports from members of the public over the last week raising concerns about unauthorised encampments in the Alness area. We will continue to work closely with Highland Council to support both the travelling community and local residents.”
Council officials are continuing to monitor the sites, in tandem with Police Scotland.
A council spokesman said: “The Council is maintaining an overview of both sites and visited the North Kessock site late last week, where travellers were using the public toilets and disposing of waste appropriately.
“We are continuing to liaise with the travellers at the Alness site – within government guidance on social distancing – and progressing the ‘Policy on supporting cooperation and managing unauthorised camps’ which sets out the multi-agency responsibilities and arrangements for responding to roadside encampments. Removal of the travellers at Alness is a matter for the private land owner.”
The concerns arise as the Scottish Government take steps to provide provisions of portable sanitation facilities at traveller sites in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A public contract worth £20,900 has now been awarded to Scottish Envirosan Ltd.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government has provided additional essential sanitation facilities to enable families to follow government advice and guidelines, and help curb the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and create safe spaces with proper facilities for Gypsy/Travellers who need to self-isolate.”
