Orkney Islands Council announces Major Upgrade for Birsay Campsite

Birsay Campsite is set to undergo a significant upgrade after the Council’s Sport and Leisure Service successfully secured over £900k in funding.

Plans include creating hard‑standing pitches linked by a new one‑way roadway, alongside a permanent modern amenity block to replace the ageing portacabins.

Redundant stone buildings will be removed to form an improved drying area, and the new facilities will be powered by renewable energy, including solar panels and ground‑source heating. 

Upgrades also include improved chemical waste disposal, safer off‑road waste and recycling provision, additional electric hook‑ups for all pitches, and new planting to enhance shelter, screening and biodiversity.

Groundworks are due to begin in February, with completion by October 2026.

The campsite is currently used by visitors to Orkney between April and September, with numbers increasing year on year. It is also an invaluable facility for school pupils and volunteer groups from the North Isles, supporting outdoor education activities delivered through the Council’s Education Service. These upgrades will allow the site to stay in use through to the end of October.

One tranche of funding has come from the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF), established by the Scottish Government in 2018 and which is managed by VisitScotland on its behalf. 

The fund aims to improve the visitor experience in rural parts of Scotland that are experiencing visitor management issues as a result of additional visitors. In particular, it aims to help address pressure on local infrastructure or any negative impacts on communities.

Cheryl Chapman, VisitScotland Development Manager for Orkney, said: “This development is great news for Orkney. The improvements will help create much-needed capacity and allow visitors to stay in less-visited parts of the isles, spreading economic benefit further, as well as offering a boost to the quality of the visitor experience. 

“Importantly, waste facilities will be available to motorhome campers all year round, encouraging the responsible behaviour we want to see in Orkney. The development marks another milestone in the delivery of sustainable tourism here, and I am thrilled that VisitScotland is supporting this through the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund, on behalf of the Scottish Government. 

“VisitScotland is focused on the responsible growth of tourism and events. To be a sustainable tourism destination, we must ensure the right facilities to cater for the growing demands of both visitors and locals and to guarantee the best possible experience for all.”

Gwenda Shearer, Chairs the Council's Education, Leisure and Housing Committee. She said:

“The upgrades at Birsay Campsite are all about giving visitors a warmer welcome and a better experience. By improving the facilities, we’re not only supporting tourism but also creating a better space for local community groups and schools who use the site for outdoor education. It’s important to us that the campsite continues to be a place where people of all ages can learn, explore, and connect with the landscape that makes Birsay so special.”

Funding for the project has been secured from:

VisitScotland’s Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund – £735,885         

Orkney Islands Council Tourism Infrastructure Fund – £154,000

Scottish Government Climate Emergency Capital Fund – £37,000

Scottish Government National Islands Plan Funding - £18,000

The development aligns with Orkney’s Strategic Tourism Infrastructure Development Plan, Scotland’s Visitor Management Strategy, and national sustainability goals. It will help disperse visitors across the islands, extend the campsite season, and reduce environmental impact.