'Absolutely pathetic' that Caithness has no tourist information centre, says councillor
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A Caithness councillor has said it is "absolutely pathetic" that money cannot be found for a tourist information centre in the far north.
Matthew Reiss, a representative for the Thurso and Northwest Caithness ward, hit out at this week's meeting of the Thurso Community Council and said: "We used to have a five-star service for tourists but we lost it."
The main dedicated centres are in Inverness and Ullapool while there is a facility at John O'Groats but it is located in a shop, it was stated.
"It is absolutely pathetic that there is no money for a local centre with friendly staff," he said. Councillor Reiss explained that Highland Council staff in service points do their best to help visitors but they are not part of the tourist information service.
Community council treasurer Elspeth Husband also expressed concern and said tourism was supposed to help offset the jobs being lost by the decommissioning of the Dounreay nuclear plant, but she argued facilities are being closed and there appears to be a lack of support from the industry at a local level.
Billy Sinclair said: "The two biggest towns in the Highlands – Thurso and Wick – do not have a tourist office. The only one we have got is at John O'Groats and it's in a shop. I have asked at the Inverness tourist office what information they had on Caithness and I got a leaflet after a while."
Mr Sinclair argued that the far north could learn a lesson on tourism from Orkney.
Community councillor Colin Johnston pointed out that 15 cruise ships are due to visit Scrabster this year and asked: "How is Thurso going to cope?"
Thurso and Northwest Caithness councillor Ron Gunn explained that attempts are being made to bring together people involved in tourism for the benefit of the far north.
A VisitScotland spokeswoman said the tourism sector is one of the most important in Scotland and brings in money, creates jobs, supports communities and underpins many services.
"We are working hard to support tourism businesses in the north Highlands through industry support, marketing opportunities and international trade events like VisitScotland Connect, held recently in Aberdeen."
She added: "We work in partnership with the tourism industry and local Destination Marketing Organisations, such as Venture North, to promote the north Highlands. VisitScotland is committed to responsible tourism, with an emphasis on extending the traditional visitor season and encouraging geographical spread throughout the Highlands.
"Our network of 26 regional iCentres are our face-to-face information provision and operate in strategic gateway locations. Along with our online enquiries, we provide information on all areas, regions and the whole of Scotland, supporting regional and national campaigns and promotions."
