At a meeting of Lochaber Area Committee on Monday 11 May 2026, approval was reached to begin mandatory charging for parking at Camusdarach Beach, Arisaig, Fort William, Nevis Centre, Glen Etive, Road End, Glen Nevis, Road End and Lochaber, Achintee Road End.
The measures include a pay-and-display system, which will both generate income and encourage a higher turnover of vehicles, ensuring fairer access to parking. The Order will prohibit overnight parking between 10:00pm and 8:00am, with exception of the Nevis Centre car park which prohibits motorhomes. This measure has been community led to help prevent car parks from being used as informal campsites - an issue that has historically led to littering and waste being left on site.
Kate Willis, Chair of Lochaber Area Committee, said: “The mandatory parking charges will enable the Council to formally regulate the use of Car Parks at key visitor hotspots, by introducing operational restrictions that support effective enforcement and improve day-to-day management. We know how popular these key locations are in peak season, and the introduction of regulated parking will also legally prevent overnight parking for motorhomes. I particularly welcome that 50% of Nett Highland Council parking income at designated sites will be returned to the Lochaber area to support local projects.”
West Bay, Mallaig car park will remain invitation to pay and further proposals will be brought forward at a future date alongside on-street proposals for East Bay, Mallaig.
Local residents and regular users will benefit from the availability of a free period of up to one hour at Camusdarach Beach car park (no overnight parking of any vehicle type between 10pm – 8am), 15mins at Nevis Centre car park and the Lochaber season ticket, offers a reduced rate, providing a cost-effective option for frequent parking across most Highland Council car parks in Lochaber.
Subject to the legal Variation Four Traffic Order being established and the installation of the pay and display machine, it is hoped that mandatory charges will begin June/July 2026.