Holiday Park in Edinburgh Welcomes MSP to Discuss Tourism and Sustainability
A leading holiday park in Edinburgh welcomed Daniel Johnson MSP this summer as he visited the business to hear how the tourism season is shaping up and to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the industry.
The MSP for Edinburgh South, whose shadow cabinet responsibilities include tourism, met with the team at Mortonhall Holiday Park during a visit on 23 July.
MSP Visits Thriving Holiday Park in Edinburgh
Daniel Johnson was welcomed by Henry Trotter and his wife Catherine of Mortonhall, who explained that the park is on course to welcome a record number of visitors this year.
During his visit, Mr Johnson toured the five-star holiday park, which is set within the eighteenth-century wooded parkland of the historic Mortonhall Estate.
Mortonhall is part of the family-owned Meadowhead Parks group, which operates four highly rated holiday parks across southern Scotland and Northumberland.
A popular Base for Exploring Edinburgh
Located just four miles from Edinburgh city centre, Mortonhall Holiday Park offers visitors easy access to both Scotland’s capital and the surrounding countryside.
Open throughout the year, the park is especially popular during the Edinburgh Festival and is once again close to full capacity for this year’s event.
Mr Johnson viewed a range of accommodation available to guests, including luxury holiday caravans, glamping accommodation such as wigwams and shepherd huts, together with touring caravan, motorhome and camping pitches.
Investing in Nature and a Sustainable Future
The visit also highlighted the park’s commitment to supporting wildlife and biodiversity.
Hundreds of native trees and shrubs have been planted across the grounds, alongside wildflower areas that provide valuable habitat for butterflies, honeybees and other pollinators.
Henry Trotter explained that while the business is committed to achieving net-zero, progress has been slowed by planning complexities, policy requirements and the high costs associated with renewable energy projects, including solar power and battery storage.
“We were delighted that Mr Johnson was able to take time out to see how Mortonhall is helping to draw more visitors to this glorious part of Scotland,” he said.
“It was also an opportunity to discuss the opportunities and other issues which the hospitality industry in Scotland now faces, including the imposition of visitor levies.
“Mr Johnson clearly understands the importance of tourism to Scotland’s economy, and the large number of jobs it sustains – and we are grateful for his support,” added Mr Trotter.
Tourism Remains Vital to Scotland’s Economy
Speaking after his visit, Daniel Johnson MSP said “It was great to visit a packed Mortonhall Holiday Park and to see first-hand the range and quality of accommodation available.
“Tourism is an engine of growth and a provider of jobs all across Scotland, so it is particularly pleasing to see a holiday park in my own constituency thriving.
“If you are thinking about visiting Edinburgh, what better place to base yourself than in the heart of South Edinburgh,” he added.
Also attending the visit was Sarah Allanson, Scottish Director of the Holiday and Residential Parks Association (HARPA), which represents around 200 holiday parks across Scotland.
Highlights
- Holiday park in Edinburgh welcomes Daniel Johnson MSP
- Record visitor numbers expected during the 2026 season
- Popular base for Edinburgh Festival visitors
- Investment in wildlife habitats and sustainability initiatives
- Discussions cover tourism growth, renewable energy and visitor levies
FAQs
Which holiday park in Edinburgh did Daniel Johnson MSP visit?
Daniel Johnson MSP visited Mortonhall Holiday Park in South Edinburgh to discuss tourism, sustainability and the 2026 holiday season.
Where is Mortonhall Holiday Park located?
Mortonhall Holiday Park is situated around four miles from Edinburgh city centre within the historic Mortonhall Estate.
What accommodation does Mortonhall Holiday Park offer?
Guests can choose from luxury holiday caravans, wigwams, shepherd huts, touring caravan pitches, motorhome pitches and camping pitches.
Is Mortonhall Holiday Park open all year?
Yes. Mortonhall Holiday Park is open throughout the year and is particularly popular during the Edinburgh Festival.
What sustainability initiatives has Mortonhall Holiday Park introduced?
The park has planted hundreds of native trees and shrubs, created wildflower areas for pollinators and is working towards net-zero through renewable energy projects.