Support pledged for Highland rural tourist businesses as 'staycation' boom is promoted

Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes has endorsed the work of a new group aiming to ease the burden on rural businesses while boosting the number of staycation visitors.

The Visitor Management Steering Group – bringing together representatives from Nature Scot, VisitScotland, Police Scotland, local authorities and the national parks, met virtually on Thursday to discuss ongoing efforts to address a rise in visitors in rural areas.

Local MSP Kate Forbes, who is economy secretary at Holyrood, assured business owners in Badenoch and Strathspey and beyond: “As someone who lives in a rural constituency with an abundance of natural beauty spots, I know only too well that an influx of visitors and a lack of services can sometimes bring undesirable issues such as littering and antisocial behaviour.

"Scotland has world-leading legislation giving people rights to access our countryside but it’s important that these are exercised responsibly and with respect for others, for wildlife and for the land itself.

“We are encouraging people to staycation this year and I have been clear that the Scottish Government will support rural communities as much as possible to cope with increased numbers looking to enjoy the best of what Scotland has to offer..

The Scottish Government had doubled the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund to £6.2 million and provided an additional £2.75 million for more seasonal rangers, temporary toilets, car parking and campervan facilities in our rural areas, she said.

A lot of work had been taken forward already by the group and she commended them for their efforts.

"There has been a marked improvement compared with last year but we know some areas are still facing some difficulties. The extensive forward planning by this group has ensured rural beauty spots were better prepared for visitors this year and we will continue this collaborative effort.

“Investing in visitor management and supporting our rural communities is a crucial part of sustainable tourism growth."

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