CAMPER van owners will be allowed to park their vehicles overnight at Kidston Park in Helensburgh as part of council plans to support “staycations” in the area this summer.

A council report has revealed details of 17 sites across Argyll and Bute where self-sufficient camper vans with their own toileting facilities will be able to park.

As well as Kidston Park, sites will be made available on Shore Road in Kilcreggan, opposite the village’s post office, and at Whistlefield near Garelochhead.

However, the report says the sites have all been allocated without a public consultation – but that feedback from communities will be monitored to help the council shape future plans.

The details of the plans to assist with staycations in the area were brought before the council’s environment, development and infrastructure committee at a virtual meeting last week.

The report, by executive director Kirsty Flanagan, said: “A number of sites have been identified and will be publicised as available for potential parking sites during the day with potential for overnight stays as part of a pilot project which will be monitored.

READ MORE: Opinion - 'If you're holidaying at home, please look after our incredible environment'

“This will only be available for camper vans which are self-sufficient and have a toilet due to there being no waste facilities available in most identified council locations.

“There will be a requirement, to comply with fire safety, for any camper van to keep a minimum of six metres from any other vehicle.

“Spacings will be marked on the car parks and these markings will be displayed on the website for ease of identification.

“The sites will have appropriate signage identifying the maximum number of camper vans that can stay at the site.

“Further signage will be provided identifying where the nearest waste disposal site can be found.”

Ms Flanagan added: "No public consultation has taken place regarding these proposals, rather it is proposed that the pilot project will monitor any feedback from communities which will be considered for future years staycation planning.

“All efforts will be made to direct staycation visitors to existing commercial facilities.

“The council pilot provision is being offered as an addition to help plug any gaps in the market and also to help to minimise inappropriate parking.”