> Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has raised concern at the planned closures of VisitScotland’s information centres across Scotland.
> Mr Halcro Johnston linked the closures to the SNP/Green-led Scottish Government's budget cuts on critical sectors of our economy.
Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said:
"I am disappointed that VisitScotland is planning to close their visitor information centres across Scotland.
“Given the key role tourism plays right across the Highlands and Islands, these centres serve as crucial touchpoints for visitors, providing invaluable assistance and guidance as tourists explore our communities.
"While it's undeniable that online support is increasingly available and important, many visitors still rely on face-to-face interactions for help. This decision risks both VisitScotland's outreach efforts and the availability of local knowledge and experience in some of our most popular tourism destinations.
"These planned closures coincide with the Scottish Government in Edinburgh slashing funding for VisitScotland, and it’s clear that the impact of these budget cuts is now being felt in critical sectors of our economy.
“Our important tourism sector has been put under increasing pressure by the Scottish Government and its central belt-focus over the last few years.
“I will be writing to the Scottish Government and to VisitScotland to express my concerns directly”.
ENDS
Notes to editor
Visit Scotland has announced that it will be closing its information centres in several locations in the Highlands and Islands, including Portree, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Aviemore and Fort William.
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