Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife has condemned the proposal to close Crieff Tourist Information Centre. Plans being drawn up by Visit Scotland could see Tourist Information Centres across Scotland close in 2015.
The Strathearn based MSP has written to SNP Tourism Minster, Fergus Ewing to seek an urgent meeting.
Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife said:
“I am extremely concerned thatCrieff tourist information centre could close.
“It is quite frankly astonishing that we could see the closure of the tourist information centre in Crieff following a year which is potentially going to be the biggest year for Scottish tourism in Strathearn with Scotland hosting the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.
“The move comes following the decision to close the public counters at Police Stations in Crieff and Auchterarder. Both communities are increasingly asking why the SNP Scottish Government are standing by as we see the loss of so many vital local services in these communities.
“Tourism is at the heart of the local economy both in Strathearn and across Perthshire. The Crieff tourist information centre has recently seen investment with new external rebranding which clearly, if it is closed, will have been a total waste of taxpayers’ money.
“It is totally unacceptable that under Visit Scotland proposals potentially only Perth would have a tourist information centre.
“Less than a year ago the SNP Tourism Minister, Fergus Ewing MSP, gave me an assurance over the future of Perthshire tourist information centre an assurance which is now in question.
“I have written to Fergus Ewing MSP to express my concern at the news that Crieff tourist information centre is likely to close after 2014 and to seek an urgent meeting.”