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

The clothes-free gathering is being organized by the Scottish branch of British Naturism. The organization 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. 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 organized the event – which will take place between 21 and 23 August – is confident it will attract younger 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. “But, there are some public footpaths which go past us, so we’re going to take steps to make sure people walking past won’t be surprised or offended.”