Summer nudist camp to be held in Dumfriesshire forest

SCOTLAND’s first official nudist camp is going to be held in a Dumfriesshire forest this summer.

By The Newsroom Sunday, 19th April 2015, 2:42 pm

Picture: Creative Commons

The clothes-free gathering is being organised by the Scottish branch of British Naturism.

The organisation hopes the weekend of luxury camping – featuring hot tubs, tipis and a hog roast – will help to transform its image and dispel images of leaky chalets and rain-lashed volleyball courts.

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Anyone going nude outdoors in Scotland runs the risk of being arrested, but the private Marthrown of Mabie campsite will be screened off to provide priv­acy and to spare the blushes of ramblers and cyclists.

Ivan Gill, who has organised the event – which will take place between 21 and 23 August – is confident it will attract younger and more aspirational nudists.

He explained: “We are looking to offer something fresh, different and exciting. That’s why we looked for a venue which would appeal to more people – and younger people in particular.

“This will be our first summer camp in Scotland, but we are keen to establish it as an annual event.”

The 66-year-old stressed that newcomers were welcome. “We are throwing it open to every­one and you don’t have to be a member to come along,” he said.

Pam Hazlehurst, owner of the campsite, which is five miles west of Dumfries, said: “Our site is ideal bec­ause we are right in the middle of the forest.