20-07-2025
'Holiday from hell' as Scots family given 'mouldy caravan with hole in it'
James Duffy was furious at the park experience, saying they were given a caravan with a hole in it, they were initially charged to use the pool and there was a lack of activities.
A Scots dad is fuming after his family had the "holiday from hell" when they were given a caravan with a 'hole in it' and mould on the outside.
James Duffy from Niddrie, Edinburgh, booked the four-night stay at Eyemouth Holiday Park, in the Scottish Borders, at the start of June and said he was shocked by the state of the caravan his family were given upon arrival.
The 42-year-old took his partner Rachelle, their five-year-old daughter, his mum and her partner to the seaside spot. However, both James's mum, who has COPD, and his daughter fell ill after the first night.
James also said he was forced to pay for use of the nearby pool which is advertised as being included in the price online.
Overall, the dad claimed what was meant to be a rare holiday for his family ended up being more stressful than staying at home as he was left "gutted" by the experience and vowed never to return.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, James said: "I'll not go to any of their resorts after this. There was meant to be nightly entertainment and we only got to do two of the activities we booked.
"We got there in the afternoon but it wasn't until around 10pm I noticed the state of the caravan. I just saw a big hole in the back and thought 'this is ridiculous '.
"There was tape over the hole and it was peeling off the caravan. From the inside you can see the light coming in from the inside.
"My mum was sitting there wheezing as she has COPD and had to sleep in that caravan then felt awful the next day. I obviously can't prove the state of the caravan had anything to do with it but it's quite a coincidence.
"Nobody slept in that room with the hole. My partner and I just pulled out the couch. It was mega uncomfortable but I didn't want anyone to sleep in that room.
"We were looking forward to this for a while as we don't have the money to go abroad so it was just a little break for me and the family. The least we expected was to enjoy it."
After raising a complaint with staff at the Parkdean Resort, James and his family were given an alternative caravan the following day.
When Edinburgh Live approached Parkdean Resorts for comment, they claimed James failed to show his pass for the swimming pool and the charge has since been refunded due to the error.
James also paid for an activity day pass for £21 and claims he was told the park don't offer certain activities as his daughter was left with just two to take part in across the four days.
"There was supposed to be a free bingo session during the day for folk who couldn't make it at night and they couldn't even manage that," James added.
"My daughter really wanted a swim so my partner took her and we were told if we showed our passes we'd get free access. We were to go within a certain time and they said we had to pay £15.50 for 45 minutes.
"I don't know how they can get away with it and offering a family of five a mouldy caravan like that."
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
A spokesperson for Eyemouth Holiday Park has since apologised for the family's experience and offered £100 as a gesture of goodwill, which was unaccepted, although James maintains he still isn't happy.
A spokesperson for Eyemouth Holiday Park said: 'We have high standards for hygiene and cleanliness at our parks. As soon as we were made aware of this isolated issue, we moved the family to alternative accommodation.
"We have apologised to Mr Duffy for his experience and offered a gesture of goodwill, which was accepted.
'Park guests receive complimentary access to the local swimming pool. As Mr Duffy was charged in error, we have issued a full refund for the funds he spent on pool access.'
