West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP fights to save last tourist centre

Andrew Bowie, MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, has initiated a campaign aimed at preserving the last remaining tourist information centre in Aberdeenshire, located in Royal Deeside. This action follows the announcement by the Scottish Government agency, VisitScotland, of its plan to close all 26 of its iCentres over the next two years, starting post-summer.

Historical Context of Closures

VisitScotland had previously indicated in 2017 that it would shut down 39 of its 65 centres over a span of two years. This strategy, led by Lord Thurso, the chairman of VisitScotland, resulted in the closure of several centres in Aberdeenshire, including those in Fraserburgh, Banff, Huntly, Stonehaven, and Alford, which had shut down three years prior.

Importance of the Royal Deeside Centre

Mr. Bowie highlighted the significance of the Royal Deeside centre as a pivotal point for tourism in the region. He noted that while many visitors come with information sourced from the internet, which can sometimes be inaccurate, the local staff at the iCentres possess comprehensive knowledge about the area. He argued that the loss of such a resource would be detrimental, especially since the Scottish Government has not yet indicated what form of tourism support would replace the iCentre in Deeside.

Impact on Local Tourism Efforts

The MP expressed his concerns about how closing the tourist centre would undermine local efforts to enhance tourism and improve visitor experiences in the scenic Royal Deeside area. He emphasized the negative impact this decision could have on the community’s endeavors.

Call to Action

In response to these developments, Mr. Bowie has called upon local residents to support his campaign, which urges the government led by Humza Yousaf to intervene and prevent the closure of the iCentre.

The post West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP fights to save last tourist centre appeared first on Travel And Tour World.