Tourist spending spikes as pound sinks

AS BREXIT fears grip Britain, Kintyre appears to be enjoying a tourism boom.

At Hall Street shop, Coastal Design, proprietor Jane Logan has noticed a boost in tourist numbers this year. This is mirrored across the country with the Office for National Statistics stating that the number of overseas tourists visiting Scotland was nearly 30 per cent higher in 2016’s first quarter compared with the same three months of 2015.

Mrs Logan has noticed a particular increase in the amount spent by visitors to Scotland from overseas, saying: ‘Because of the pound’s exchange rate, non-British customers are keener to spend.’

The rise may have started pre-Brexit. A trend is reflected by figures showing that expenditure by European tourists in Scotland was significantly higher in the first quarter of 2016 than the opening months of 2015.

Mrs Logan added: ‘January to March was busier than it has been in previous years. I didn’t get the quiet spell that I usually do.’

Economy

Tourism is at the heart of Argyll’s economy. Argyll and Bute Council’s website states that ‘14.9 per cent of employee jobs in Argyll and Bute are in tourism related activities.’

Councillor John Armour said the town cafés seem exceptionally busy, with people queuing at the Bluebell for much of Saturday.

Lori Smith, manager of the Craigard House Hotel said: ‘The hotel had seen a boost in visitor numbers this year.

‘Figures are certainly up about five per cent overall. July’s advanced bookings are greater than they were last year.

‘We’re already full for next May for the whisky festival – Campbeltown Malts.’

Brexit’s potential impact upon the industry is is on the minds of those leading professional bodies and local businesses alike.

The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) has voiced its fear that Britain’s exit from the EU and uncertainty in Sterling’s exchange rate could have a negative impact upon tourist numbers countrywide.

CONFUSION about where to hail a Campbeltown cab has increased since the Town Hall restoration was completed.

A public servant, who did not want to be named, has claimed that the temporary rank outside the Original Factory Shop should revert to parking as the historic taxi rank is outside the Town Hall.

The man said: ‘I think the temporary licence which was in place for the duration of the hall restoration has expired.’

A spokesperson from Argyll and Bute Council said: ‘The designated taxi rank at the town hall had been supplemented by

a temporary one at the Original Factory Shop during the town hall renovations.

‘Both are in use pending a review of traffic management in the town.’

The Courier spoke to taxi drivers at both locations here is what they had to say.

Outside the Original Factory Shop, Joe McMillan said: ‘I think it’s fine. Absolutely fine. A lot of pensioners use the shop and they sometimes struggle up the hill to the other taxi rank, especially when it’s raining, so it’s much easier for them to come straight out of the shop and straight into a taxi.

‘We can huff and puff all we like but it’s up to the council to decide.’

At the same location, Billy Morran said: ‘I don’t mind really but I prefer to be up there.

‘That’s where it rightfully should be. It’s going to cause an accident down here. It’s hard to try and get out of the rank with the traffic lights.’

Up at the Town Hall, Stuart MacLean said: ‘Having two ranks is a good idea especially on a Saturday night.

‘But it can be confusing for the public and nobody has directed them or told them what’s going on.’