Perthshire paths lead the way ahead: more investment will mean a better Scotland for all
The rise in tourist numbers, especially in places such as Skye and along the route of the North Coast 500, is often seen as a problem.
Yes, the numbers create a strain on infrastructure, but the fact that they are coming should, overall, be welcomed.
After this walk in the peaceful, rolling country to the north of Dunkeld, the staff in the pubs and cafés do all they can to make visitors feel relaxed, and the more who come, the merrier. What is needed to help the problems that come with more tourists is some investment.
At Loch Ordie, an expanse of water surrounded by low hills and ideal for a picnic, I met a group of landowners looking at ways to improve their land and the flood prevention work on it.
The paths were in good order; signs meant it was easy to find my way across wonderfully open countryside, home to an array of birds and superb views of Perthshire.
At the same time, two other parts of Scotland were experiencing contrasting levels of investment. There were reports that public toilets on the very successful North Coast 500 may have to be shut because of a lack of funds.
On the same day Scottish Enterprise, a “nondepartmental public body of the Scottish Government”, announced a £12.75 million grant to Barclays Bank to set up an office campus in Glasgow. How can we afford that but not toilets for visitors?
The Scottish Government says one in 12 jobs in Scotland is in tourism.
Employment in the sector has grown 12% since 2011.
VisitScotland last year claimed the industry contributes £11 billion a year to the economy.
The strain caused by visitors is not experienced everywhere. Places such as Galloway could benefit from more promotion, thus reducing pressure on other areas. It can seem that what happens in the Central Belt is more important than tourism across the whole of Scotland.
The powers-that-be say it is important, but we need increased investment in infrastructure – and not just in cities.
Rather than seeing more tourists as a problem, maybe it is time to see it as a real opportunity which can be managed and made to work for the whole of the country.
Something a bit more strenuous: Just up the A9 is Pitlochry and Ben Vrackie. Reached by good paths, this is a proper rocky mountain with a pointy summit, and great views over Perthshire.