Tourism boss visits Strath

Representatives from Strathearn’s tourism businesses met the leader of Visitscotland last week.

Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of the tourism organisation, spent the day meeting representatives of firms across the region, speaking to emerging talent in the industry and forging new partnerships in the area.

The first stop on his tour was Comrie Croft to hear about the innovative eco camp which offers visitors the opportunity to stay in Nordic katas, which are large tipi tents with alpine beds and wood-burning stoves.

Mr Roughead then went on to visit Crieff ’s Famous Grouse Experience and Strathearn Distillery near Methven.

Andrew Donaldson of Comrie Croft said: “It has been amazing to welcome some of Visitscotland’s high heid yins.

“Explaining our vision to Malcolm and showing him some of the practical challenges and opportunities we face is both a real encouragement for us and a way for our experience on the ground to influence how Visitscotland supports the industry.”

Mr Roughead said: “Tourism is at the heartbeat of the Perthshire economy, creating jobs and supporting communities.

“The industry currently supports over 7800 jobs in the area and in 2014 generated £248m in visitor spend so the scale of opportunity is clear to see.

“If we are to continue to compete in a competitive global market, the industry needs to embrace new technology, innovation and new ways of working. Comrie Croft is a shining example of how this can be done.”