Careful return to outdoors with local benefits when time is right

A measured and careful return to the outdoors, which are now an important part of Scottish culture. This needs to be done carefully to ensure there are no risks, but indeed benefits, to local communities. This would not be for right now obviously, but for when cases are down and it is safe to start to return to our lives.

Car parks which are not in the vicinity of communities could be opened, in a controlled manner, for example may forestry commission car parks are not near villages. Visitors will be able to prebook a space in the car park, and it may be decided to cap number to less that the total number of spaces. There would be controls in place, for example a max driving distance and temperature checking etc. Visitors will not be allowed to stop in villages, which would result in no additional contact in those areas. Whilst hill walking social distancing must be followed. Everyone will be aware that mountain rescue should not be expected to come to their aid.

To ensure a benefit to local communities local business would be able to set up a socially distance stall in the car park. For example a cafe selling individually wrapped cakes and drinks in take away cups. Additionally this system will need workers to operate it, which will provide employment.

Why the contribution is important

There are many benefits to hill walking, notably physical and mental health. It is also important that local small businesses are able to generate some income in the future as the furlough scheme will not last forever. This is not for right now, but for when it is safe to do so.

by Ossian on May 05, 2020 at 03:35PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.5
Based on: 7 votes

Comments

Log in or register to add comments and rate ideas