Caithness councillor Matthew Reiss says lack of local tourist information centre is 'shameful'
The lack of a tourist information centre in Caithness is "shameful", according to a local Highland councillor.
Matthew Reiss said VisitScotland has no such facility in the far north, which is instead served by a number of information points based in businesses or organisations.
The Thurso and Northwest Caithness councillor stressed he is not criticising the service provided in Caithness at the information points but feels they are "not the same as a well equipped and staffed tourist centre".
Speaking at the most recent meeting of the Thurso Community Council, he said: "Such a facility is sadly lacking and that is shameful as it would give a boost to the local tourist industry and benefit the area. The amount of money required is absolute peanuts compared to other services.
"The Scottish Government should provide the funding to set up a small local tourist information centre in Caithness with locally-themed leaflets. What we don't need is ones about the Loch Ness monster."
Asked if the economic climate and projected cuts in the budget of £500 million may scupper such a plan, Mr Reiss replied: "You have to decide what your priorities are. The dualling of the A9 is unlikely to go ahead and that would save £3 billion. A fraction of that money would improve the infrastructure in small rural areas and go a long way to improving facilities for visitors and benefit the area as it could encourage people to stay longer and see what the area has to offer.
"You just have to look across to Orkney to see how locally-based tourism can be run very successfully"
He added: "The local tourist information points do a brilliant job but it is not the same as having a dedicated tourist centre. Ideally, I would like to see one in Thurso and one in Wick, but even one in Caithness would be useful."
VisitScotland paid the former Caithness Horizons £8000 a year to have a information facility there, he said.
Mr Reiss explained that there used to be a tourist information centre in Thurso at the Riverside. "It was in a good location and had parking available," he said.
Community council chairwoman Thelma Mackenzie said a cruise ship was in Caithness recently and there was a lack of tourist information, leaflets and maps available for them.
A VisitScotland spokeswoman said: "The way in which our visitors access information has changed significantly in recent years. We have responded to this by focusing on our digital channels, making it as easy as possible for people to discover Scotland and reach a wider audience. Visitors can access up-to-date and engaging content through our consumer website and social media.
"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."
She added: "We also have a network of information partners throughout the country. In the north Highlands, we have 73 iKnow partners, ranging from bed and breakfasts, museums and cafés and restaurants, who provide visitor information, assistance and advice on the local region. We are currently looking at how we can support other local information providers through further development of the iKnow programme."