SCOTLAND’S travelling community will likely face continued hostility unless there is “co-ordinated and coherent” action to provide it with proper sites, a human rights watchdog warned yesterday.

Research carried out by the University of Salford for the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Scotland identified funding as a “significant barrier” for councils, which have the responsibility for developing sites.

“Over the last year we have seen once again tension in some parts of Scotland concerning the development of temporary or permanent sites for Gypsy Travellers, either in private or public ownership,” said EHRC Scotland director Alastair Pringle.

“This ongoing lack of provision is forcing many Gypsy Travellers into ‘pulling in’ at the roadside, often in high--profile areas and then risking eviction and local hostility.”

In 2014 there were 59 sites in 18 local authority areas in Scotland, according to Scottish government figures.

The EHRC research was conducted following claims that some councils had struggled to secure land or planning permission.

“The research shows that with planning and care it is perfectly possible to develop new Gypsy Traveller sites in Scotland,” said Mr Pringle.

University of Salford social change professor Phil Brown said the research showed that while “there may be concerns at the start of the process from locals living nearby, proper management of the site rarely leads to ongoing concerns.”

Communication between the council, local residents and the Gypsy Traveller community was key, he added, along with support for councillors who will be the decision-makers.

“Taking a strategic, rather than ad hoc, approach is also recommended as the more transparent the council is the more likely they will have public support.”

Mr Pringle called for a “co-ordinated and coherent approach” to be set out in the Scottish government’s Gypsy Traveller strategy due to be published later this year.

“Without proper provision the community is likely to continue to face hostility and councils are likely to waste more money on avoidable evictions,” he warned.

Holyrood Communities Secretary Alex Neil said the Scottish government had “already strengthened local strategic planning for accommodation in relation to the needs of Gypsy Travellers by publishing revised guidance for housing need and demand assessments and local housing strategies.”