McGrigor calls for better support for established Highlands and Islands tourism projects

MSP Jamie McGrigor has called for better support for existing tourism groups in the Highlands and Islands.

The Scottish Conservative Tourism and Sports Spokesman raised concerns at Ministers’ Question Time that new initiatives were being funded at the expense of older, more established projects.

Jamie McGrigor said “There are many well-established and highly successful tourism initiatives across the Highlands and Islands.

“However, concerns have been raised with me by people within the Highlands and Islands tourism industry that funding is being concentrated on new tourism initiatives at the expense of other long-established tried and trusted successful projects.

“One such established scheme is Golf Highland which represents many smaller courses in the region. Despite golf playing an increasingly important part in the success of local tourism, Golf Highland is apparently unable to apply for funding and is forced to rely on their membership subscriptions.

“I hope the Minister look at this situation and ensure that Golf Highland, and other well-established groups like it, are not penalised for their success”.

Education Minister Peter Peacock, who was standing in for the unavailable Tourism Minister Patricia Fergusson, said he would raise the issue with Ms Fergusson.