A German-made Niesmann+Bischoff motorhome, purchased for £124,550, has emerged as the most expensive item bought with Scottish National Party (SNP) funds by Peter Murrell, the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. The vehicle was listed among numerous purchases during Murrell's recent embezzlement trial at Edinburgh High Court.
Murrell, who faces sentencing later this month, acquired the luxury motorhome, a high-spec Niesmann+Bischoff ismove model, despite it being apparently unused, with only four miles recorded on its odometer. The vehicle was found parked on Murrell's mother's driveway in Dunfermline.
The German-made motorhome features an opulent interior, including a full kitchen, a bathroom with a ceramic toilet and a spacious shower, a super king-size bed, and a significant storage area. It also came with Molton Brown toiletries.
The purchase highlights a growing trend in the UK for luxury motorhomes, which have seen a surge in popularity. Online platform Gumtree reported a 133% increase in sales of motorhomes and campervans in the UK. Industry experts attribute this rise to factors such as uncertainty in global markets and fluctuating fuel costs, which encourage domestic travel.
Daniel Attwood, editor of The Motorhomers’ Magazine, noted a dramatic increase in new campervan and motorhome sales over the past three decades, rising from under 5,000 in 2000 to 16,666 in the last year. In contrast, caravan sales have significantly declined.
Modern motorhomes are increasingly sophisticated, offering amenities that provide a "home from home" experience. Innovations include mini washing machines, solar panels for independent power, and advanced toilet systems. High-end models, particularly "A Class" vehicles where the entire structure is built as one unit, can range from approximately £80,000 for a decent model to well over £100,000 for luxury options. Some premium models, like the Morelo Grand Empire or Concorde Centurion, can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, with prices for the Morelo Grand Empire ranging from £600,000 to £850,000 and the Concorde Centurion between £400,000 and £600,000.
Rob Ganley, Editor-in-Chief at Camping & Caravanning magazine, described modern vehicles as being packed with comforts such as fully-equipped kitchens, luxurious fixed beds, modern bathrooms, and integrated technology like solar panels and smartphone-controlled heating systems.
Owning a motorhome, especially a high-value model, entails significant ongoing costs. Matt Sims, host of the Motorhome Matt podcast, estimates that annual servicing, including chassis and habitation checks, can cost around £1,000 for a £120,000 vehicle. While road tax is relatively inexpensive, other expenses such as storage fees (approximately £700 per year if off-site parking is required) and insurance contribute to an annual upkeep cost of £2,000 to £3,000.
Alternative options such as renting motorhomes are also gaining traction. Platforms like Goboony, described as the "Airbnb of campervans," allow individuals to rent vehicles, offering a way to experience the motorhome lifestyle without the substantial costs of ownership. The average rental trip on Goboony costs around £92 per night, plus campsite fees and fuel.