Scoughall campsite to replace tents with cabins

Scripture Union Scotland has been organising activity holidays at Scoughall in East Lothian for nearly 70 years on land it leases from a local family.

However, the bunkhouse style tents it uses are being changed to meet the changing expectations of the young people who attend and it has applied for planning permission to replace them with five cabins and a pod.

The charity, which aims to ensure children across Scotland are able to enjoy affordable holidays, runs the site from March to October each year.

Traditionally in the summer, boys attending the camp sleep in the tents while girls are housed in indoor dormitories.

In an application to East Lothian planners to change the outdoor accommodation, the charity said: “This change will enable us to meet the changing expectations of young people without departing from the historical style of the campsite.

“The new buildings will be located in the same area as the tents were pitched and will allow the site to be used to its full potential throughout the season.

“There is no plan to increase the capacity of the site or the length of the season.

“The buildings will be supplied with electricity by linking to the on-site supply or from small individual solar units attached to each building – there will be no other utilities supplied.”

The application also points out the benefits the campsite has been offering children and young people since it opened there in the 1950s.

It said: “Scoughall SU campsite makes a clear contribution to the health and wellbeing of young people and children in Scotland in terms of education, green spaces, access to outdoor activities, and social benefit.

“In all our activities, we aim to prioritise those from a disadvantaged background and the simplicity of Scoughall campsite allows us to provide low-cost residential holidays in a unique and beautiful location.”

The application is with planners for consideration.