Concerns have been raised at the number of mobile homes parking out overnight at a beauty spot in St Andrews.
The West Sands extends for almost two miles backed by dunes and the world-renowned Old Course and has long been a magnet for visitors.
But now officials from Fife Council and the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust are faced with the challenge of welcoming tourists to enjoy the beauty spot while making sure they do not abuse the facilities by camping out in vast numbers overnight.
This year’s glorious summer saw increasing numbers of mobile homes being parked up by the West Sands road, mainly close to the toilet blocks.
However, concerns have been expressed by St Andrews Community Council following complaints that, on one night alone, 44 mobile homes set up camp in the area, with word spreading fast through social media.
Robbie Blyth, beach and coastal officer with Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, told The Courier a balance had to be struck between welcoming visitors by day but “educating” them that the West Sands road was not suitable for camper vans to pitch up on at night.
He said: “There used to be a barrier across the West Sands road at night but it was taken away after the road layout was improved a few years ago and the road became adopted by Fife Council.
“The land is owned by Fife Council and has been used as a car park for many years. Fife Coast and Countryside Trust are responsible for the management of the beach, dunes and toilets.
“It is not illegal to use it as a car park but it’s not sustainable for so many vehicles to park up and empty their camper van toilets at the toilet blocks.”
St Andrews Labour Fife councillor Brian Thomson said: “I don’t want to discourage visitors to St Andrews, however the West Sands does not have the facilities to cope with these motorhomes and they should be utilising the high-quality, purpose-built caravan and camping sites located around the edge of the town.
“I am aware that officers are looking into the feasibility of various options to address the problem and I would, in principle, support measures to stop overnight parking on the West Sands.”