A group of Travellers reflects on their time in Inverness and community responses.
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A group of Travellers who recently visited Inverness has opened up about their experiences, highlighting a mix of hospitality and hostility from the local community. The Travellers, who set up camp at Torvean Park, described their stay as a holiday, but their presence sparked significant backlash from residents.
Initial stay at Torvean Park
Upon their arrival last week, the Travellers established an encampment at Torvean Park. However, their stay was marred by accusations of leaving behind a significant amount of rubbish and damaging the park’s grass. The group departed the site by Monday, but not before igniting anger among locals who felt their presence was disruptive.
Following their departure from Torvean Park, the Travellers relocated to a nearby area close to Burger King at the Retail Park. They expressed their intention to leave the site in the same condition they found it, urging the community to refrain from what they termed “abuse” during their visit to the city.
Voices from the encampment
During a visit to the encampment, a young man celebrating his 20th birthday, who goes by the nickname JD, shared his thoughts on the situation. Originally from South Wales, JD invited the media to understand their perspective. He acknowledged the muddy conditions at Torvean Park, which made it challenging to maintain the area. “We’ll leave it as we found it,” he assured, emphasizing their commitment to cleanliness.
When asked why they chose Inverness, JD explained, “Just travelling round to a part of the world I’d never been to before.” However, he expressed disappointment with the local reception, stating, “So far they’ve not proven very nice.” He insisted that the Travellers are friendly people who mean no harm, yet they often face hostility and negative portrayals on social media.
Community response and future plans
JD articulated the emotional toll of being subjected to online abuse, stating, “We’re only human beings at the end of the day.” He called for understanding from the local community, asking them to stop sharing negative comments on social media platforms. “It feels like we’re not normal human beings,” he lamented.
The Highland Council has acknowledged the situation, confirming their awareness of the unauthorised encampment at the Inverness Retail Park. A spokesperson stated that council staff are engaging with the Travellers and working to manage the situation in accordance with their policies on unauthorised camps.
As the Travellers continue their journey, JD remains cautious about revealing their next destination, fearing further backlash. “We get abuse all the time,” he said, highlighting the challenges faced by Travellers in seeking acceptance in new communities.
Inverness, known for its scenic beauty and rich history, now finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with the complexities of community dynamics and the presence of Travellers. As both sides navigate this delicate situation, the hope remains for mutual understanding and respect.
