A NEW operator is being sought to run three camping sites in Scotland's forests following a recent buyout. 

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is looking for an operator to manage the locations under long-term lease arrangements, totalling 15 years. 

As of March, FLS now directly oversees the forest camping business at its Cashel campsite on Loch Lomond side, at Cobleland, near Aberfoyle and at Glenmore near Aviemore.

READ MORE: Camping in The Forest sites to be managed separately in England and Scotland

It comes after a buyout from The Camping and Caravanning Club, which will also see some sites in England being managed separately. 

FLS chief executive, Simon Hodgson, said: “Camping is an important and accessible activity that brings people closer to nature, heightens their appreciation of the environment and helps them to relax and recharge their batteries.

“It is going to become more popular as more people consider their carbon footprint and opt for ‘staycations’.

“In order to help meet that demand – and potentially expand on our camping offer - we are looking to partner with site operators that share our enthusiasm for this opportunity and our commitment to improve our camping offer in ways that benefit visitors and local communities.”

Forestry Journal:

FLS has appointed leisure property specialist CDLH as marketing agents to seek approaches from local or national operators looking to run one site or more sites with a lease term of 15 years.

Operators will be expected to make improvements to the sites as well as work with FLS to integrate the sites into any wider improvement/development plans for the area and where possible to deliver enhanced community benefits.