Wishart quizzes FM on tourist centre decision

Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP, Beatrice Wishart, during this Thursday’s First Minister’s Questions quizzed the FM as to whether any impact assessment on island communities had taken place after the decision by VisitScotland to close their iCentre network in pursuit of a ‘digital first’ strategy.

Ms Wishart asked the First Minister:

News yesterday that VisitScotland plan to close their iCentre network across the country by 2026 and pursue a ‘digital first’ strategy has come as a shock in the Northern Isles which rely on tourism.

Does the First Minister share the view of some in the tourism sector that this is a retrograde step and is he able to indicate if any impact assessment has been conducted on island communities affected by VisitScotland’s decision?

After the question session Ms Wishart Ms Wishart said:

“This announcement will have been a shock, especially to those employees keeping centres open.

“Tourism in Shetland is in a renaissance after the Covid-19 pandemic and TV exposure thanks to the namesake police drama.

“It is important to ensure visitors get the message that Shetland is open for business and that they are welcome.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

You can watch the exchange here.