VisitScotland this week published their Scotland Visitor Survey 2011 results, which showed that the top reason for visitors coming to Scotland is to see its scenery and landscape. Mid-Scotland & Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser wants the Scottish Government to take on board the findings when it comes to decisions on whether or not to grant on shore wind farm developments in scenic areas such as Perthshire. The survey found that 58% of visitors to Scotland stated ‘scenery and landscape’ as a top reason for visiting Scotland. 31% stated ‘to learn about Scotland’s history and culture’; 30% stated that ‘they had been before and wanted to come again’; while 21% stated that ‘they had been recommended to come’. The full survey results can be found here: http://www.visitscotland.org/research_and_statistics/visitor_research/global.aspx Commenting, Murdo said: “It is welcome to learn from this survey that visitors coming to Scotland stating the positive and great time they have had and it underlines the exceptional tourism industry we have in Scotland. “Perthshire’s biggest industry is tourism and it is important that the Scottish Government take on board the fact that almost two-thirds of tourists state that the scenery and landscape is one of the most important reasons for them on deciding to come to our country. “These results in VisitScotland’s survey puts pressure on the Scottish Government to consider a national strategy for wind farms in order not to damage our tourism industry. We all know that wind farms will irrecoverably damage the natural beauty of Scotland where they are built. Already with wind farms in operation or being constructed in Perthshire, such as at Drumderg, Calliacher and Griffin, we are seeing our natural landscape views being interrupted by turbines. “Therefore, to safeguard one of our most important industries and to protect Perthshire’s natural scenery, the Scottish Government must put in place a national strategy on wind farms. Otherwise we may see a detrimental impact on our local tourism industry in Perthshire as our natural landscape is so important in attracting visitors