A camping ground at the foot of the Ochil hills which has been run by the same family for almost 40 years has been named Scotland’s Campsite of the Year by an influential travel guide.
The Automobile Association (AA) awarded Witches Craig Caravan & Camping Park in Stirling its top title north of the border for the second time, praising its attention to detail and its setting deep in ‘Braveheart country’.
Witches Craig has been run by the Dewar family since the 1980s and is graded “an exceptional 5 star” touring park by VisitScotland.
The park has won many other awards in recent years, including “Loo of the Year” and a David Bellamy “Gold” Conservation award.
It was previously named Campsite of the Year in 2015, and continues to attract repeat visitors from across Scotland and beyond.
Owner Veda Dewar said: "This announcement came as a huge surprise! My family and I are absolutely delighted to receive the special award for the AA Scottish campsite of the year.
"I would like to thank the AA for recognising our hard work and dedication over the years, together with a massive thank you to all of our customers.
"We are currently closed for the winter but are very much looking forward to the 2025 season."
The inspector’s comments said: “In an attractive setting, deep in ‘Braveheart’ country, this extremely well-presented park stands at the foot of the dramatic Ochil Hills, which form an impressive backdrop to the park.
“Witches Craig has been tastefully developed by the Dewar family, and the mature landscaping and beautifully maintained grounds continue to impress our inspector, with the terrific displays of colourful shrubs and plants, all lovingly cared for by Veda Dewar.
“The attention to detail across the park is superb, especially within the immaculate toilet block, and the quirky metal statues and themed carvings from tree trunks that stand around the park.”
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The review continued: “The touring pitches are all on large hardstandings and set in small areas to provide a feeling of seclusion, while tents are in a large, well-drained field to the rear of the site, replete with cooking shelters and picnic benches.
“First-time visitors or campers that have been visiting the site since childhood, as many customers have, are guaranteed of a warm and friendly welcome from Veda and her staff.
“A regular local bus service to Stirling passes the site entrance and many of the historical sites are just a short drive away.
“This is not a big site (it does have a bar and swimming pool) but a very popular family-owned park that attracts customers on a regular basis to this stunning area.”
The awards celebrated 12 exceptional sites across the UK, which were selected by the AA’s expert inspectors for their ‘outstanding’ quality and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Categories included AA Glamping Site of the Year, AA Campsite of the Year, and AA Most Improved Campsite of the Year.
This year’s winners span the UK, from the rich history and sweeping views from the Isle of Anglesey in Wales to the ancient woodlands nestled within the South Downs of West Sussex.
Tyddyn Isaf Caravan Park on Isle of Anglesey was named the overall winner of the UK’s Campsite of the Year, and also scooped the award for Wales.
Hosting the awards, Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media, said, "As local travel continues to grow and sustainable tourism gains momentum, we are excited to announce the best camping and caravanning destinations for the upcoming year.
“This year's winners have demonstrated outstanding quality along with a strong dedication to eco-friendly practices and customer satisfaction, making them excellent options for UK travellers."
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