By COSLA's Migration and Population team.
What?
COSLA’s Resource Document for Supporting Gypsy/Traveller Temporary Stopping Places (2026) provides local authorities with an overview of available information, guidance, resources and examples of good practice relating to supporting temporary stopping places in Scotland. It is intended to be viewed as a resource to supplement national guidance and enhance local authority approaches.
The resource has been informed by the recommendations put forward by the Negotiated Stopping Approach in Scotland, research commissioned by COSLA and Public Health Scotland, being Terminology, Accurate data, Availability of land, Access to facilities, Access to Health, and Reducing Stigma and Discrimination.
Why?
For many Gypsy/Traveller families, travelling is an important part of their cultural identity, heritage and way of life. However, finding suitable places to stop in Scotland is difficult. Traditional stopping places are disappearing, access to land is reducing, and families are facing repeated eviction, discrimination and difficulties accessing basic facilities such as clean water, toilets, showers and waste disposal.
The traditional enforcement-led approach to roadside encampments does little to address these underlying challenges. Moving families on without understanding their circumstances can create further instability, damage relationships and leave families struggling to access essential services.
How?
The resource informs an approach based on communication, cooperation and mutual respect. It provides guidance to local authorities working with Gypsy/Traveller families to agree a safe and suitable place to stop for an agreed period.
In return for the agreement, families can access support to access facilities such as water, sanitation and waste disposal, alongside health, education and other services.
Recognising both parties have responsibilities and that positive outcomes are more likely when expectations are clear.
Benefits for local authorities
For local authorities, the approach provides a more structured and consistent way of responding to roadside encampments. Rather than repeatedly dealing with complaints, tensions and enforcement action, councils can build relationships, understand families' needs and coordinate support across services, help make better use of resources, reduce unnecessary conflict and provide clarity around responsibilities, acceptable behaviour and length of stay.
Benefits for Gypsy/Travellers
For Gypsy/Traveller families, the approach offers greater dignity, stability and recognition of their cultural traditions. Access to basic facilities helps protect health and wellbeing, while constructive relationships with council staff can make it easier to access wider public services. An approach where families are treated as partners in finding solutions rather than as problems to be moved elsewhere.
Benefits for the settled community
The settled community (non-Gypsy/Travellers) also has much to gain. Clear agreements about where families can stay, how long they can remain and how waste and other responsibilities will be managed can help address concerns and reduce tensions. Better communication can challenge stereotypes, build understanding and encourage more positive relationships between communities.
