Tourist chief hails Groats revamp
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THE £6 million redevelopment of John O’Groats is “an absolutely tremendous project” and one which should be “welcomed with open arms”.
That was said by VisitScotland chairman Dr Mike Cantlay on a two-day trip to Caithness last week.
During his time in the Far North he visited Groats, the Pulteney Distillery in Wick, met local businessmen and was involved in an event called “Making Things Happen for Tourism in Caithness & Sutherland”.
Dr Cantlay, who was accompanied by Scott Armstrong, VisitScotland’s regional partnerships director (north), described the development at John O’Groats as “a huge undertaking” but one which could help to boost the local tourism profile.
In an interview with the Caithness Courier he said the development was one of a number of assets which could help the area to attract more visitors.
“The hotel complex was in a very poor state. It was looking tired and in need of investment so what is happening there is great. Over £6 million of investment is being made in John O’Groats to help build the tourist facilities of the future,” he said.
“That is absolutely tremendous and I think it will work very well. It is a very ambitious project and one which should be welcomed with open arms.”
Dr Cantlay was impressed with what he saw at Pulteney Distillery which recently was judged to have the best whisky in the world, Old Pulteney.
“You have got John O’Groats, the Castle of Mey, Ackergill Tower, surfing championships, ornithology, a wonderful coastline and the best whisky in the world. Caithness is in great shape and will become better at exploiting its strengths,” he said.
Dr Cantlay, who has been in his current role for just over a year, argued the county can benefit from a range of tourist opportunities which are happening over the next three years. He said the Queen celebrated her diamond jubilee next year and would spend time in Scotland, as would Prince Charles.
These events, he said, would be followed by the world’s media. “This is a huge opportunity for this area with its links with the royal family,” he stated.
Another event taking place in 2012 which could assist the local tourist industry is the Olympic Games in London.
Dr Cantlay claimed that the area stretching from the south to Birmingham will be extremely busy and many people are expected to come to Scotland. “The further you are away from London the better as far as tourism is concerned so the Olympics could be a huge opportunity for Caithness.”
Asked if such a scenario would only benefit the central belt of Scotland rather than the Far North, Dr Cantlay said he did not think that would be the case. “I am confident that will not happen. It may be a difficult argument to sell but I believe that absolutely,” he said.
Dr Cantlay thought Caithness could benefit from the Year of Creative Scotland in 2012 and the Year of Natural Scotland in 2013 as well as the Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup golf tournament and the Year of Homecoming in 2014. “There are many opportunities for Caithness over the next 36 months,” he said.
“As far as I am concerned there are no weak areas in Scotland from a tourism perspective.
“Everybody has a specialism to exploit and this area has unique features to differentiate it from the competition. Caithness has to be strong about what it has to offer.”
In addition, he felt the county could get a spin-off from the new American 3D computer-animated fantasy adventure film, Brave, which is due to be released in 72 countries next year. It is set in Scotland and features the voices of Billy Connolly, Robbie Coltrane and Craig Ferguson.
“It may not have a direct benefit on Caithness but as it reaches non-English-speaking markets it will promote the profile of Scotland and that could have knock-on effects for the tourist industry,” he said.
Regarding criticism that VisitScotland has not been doing enough for areas such as Caithness, Dr Cantlay pledged to do what he can for the Far North. “We are here for Caithness as much as any other part of Scotland,” he added.
INDUSTRY IS WORTH £11BN
TOURISM can play a part in helping to get the country out of the economic downturn, according to VisitScotland chairman Dr Mike Cantlay.
He stressed tourism is an £11 billion industry which employs 270,000 people.
Dr Cantlay said Caithness can play a role but has to be “strong about what it has to offer” and market that.
He said VisitScotland’s marketing campaigns through television and other outlets can help attract customers and pointed out the south-east of England is the core market in the UK.
