Kintyre needs tourism

Sir,

Your last two editions included articles about the proposed closure of the tourist information iCentre - MacKinnon House and Bolgam Street loos.

Would it not be easier, in view of these proposals, to erect a sign on the Ardrishaig roundabout stating: ‘Tourists not welcome - turn back.’

VisitScotland and Argyll and Bute Council are responsible for these proposed actions towards our tourism industry.

The tourist pound is spread among the businesses in the area and is a vital source of income to the area’s fragile economy.

The tourism product in Kintyre has been built up slowly but surely over the years to attract people to come and spend their money.

What do our VisitScotland and council do in return? Propose closure of our tourist information centres and close the public conveniences in the heart of Campbeltown.

The siting of this iCentre was and is ideal for Campbeltown, on the pier where every tourist eventually arrives to find directions, tide tables, book ferries, public transport and accommodation.

You walk inside the iCentre and find a human being who will interact with you without pressing buttons one, two and three and listening to endless prerecorded musak, while waiting for a person to answer eventually.

Not every tourist is walking round staring into a mobile phone for information or social media inspiration.

To speak to a friendly face in a friendly environment is the purpose of a tourist office. This cannot be found on a mobile phone or tablet.

As for the proposed closure of the public loos by the council, where do people go? Do they bring their own plastic bags and poop scoops? It is unacceptable in this day and age - madness.

Whatever happened to: ‘Haste ye back.’ Peter Stogdale, Ex-director Mid-Argyll, Kintyre and the Isles Tourist Board, Kilkerran Road, Campbeltown.