Green revenue boost for Tayside profile

Green tourism could be a way to boost Tayside’s profile in the coming years, a business chief has said.

Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce chief executive Alison Henderson said the region has a lot of green spaces that could be utilised to bring visitors, and their cash, to the area. Talk of the Eden project coming to Dundee is just one such project being mooted.

She said: “Dundee isn’t as built up as other cities, so there is a lot of open green spaces, which of course is true in Angus as well.

“That is one good thing this region has going for it that could encourage people to visit.

“Green revenue is something that governments and investors will be paying attention to, I think.”

One of the “niches” Tayside can offer is green tourism, Ms Henderson said, highlighting the Cateran Ecomuseum, which spans from rural Angus into Perthshire and the Cairngorms.

The “museum without walls” was not forced to close during lockdown as its vast landmass and outdoors nature easily allows for social distancing, but there were fewer visitors than normal as people stayed indoors and travelled less during the height of the pandemic.

Attractions that form part of the ecomuseum include Caulfield’s

Military Bridge and also Bamff estate.

Clare Cooper, co-founder and co-director of Cateran said: “Most businesses in the tourism sector have been very badly hit by this crisis and many may not open again, so we’re keen to see government support continue to keep the wonderful diversity of tourism experiences available in the ecomuseum and elsewhere in Scotland, along with all the accommodation, food and drink businesses we have.

“Like many rural communities we want to encourage people to observe the Scottish outdoor access code when they are outside, take belongings and litter away with them after picnics and be mindful that the lands across the ecomusuem are farmed and managed, so keeping dogs under control and having hand sanitiser to use in gates is very important.”

Picture: Steve Brown. Alison Henderson, chief executive of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce.