Tourism hit by pandemic... but companies plan for the future
More than 40 island businesses have been brought together for an online summit on the challenges facing their industry.
Companies on Arran joined forces for the special seminar, hosted by the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce.
It comes at a time when many would normally be enjoying bustling trade with the start of the summer tourist season.
But the ongoing fallout of the coronavirus crisis has provided most of the island’s businesses with both short and long term concerns.
A panel of speakers included community volunteer, Sheila Gilmore, and Alastair Dobson from Arran Dairies.
North Ayrshire Council’s John McGuire was also among those who addressed the internet session.
Mr Dobson said: “The event was a great opportunity to join up business and community leaders on Arran to both share their very real and current issues and to look at opportunities for recovery when appropriate.
“Arran has a fantastic community as has been further proven over the last few weeks of pandemic lockdown.
“Hopefully this online and interactive way of meeting will help us all in the future.
“Thanks to the Chamber team for pulling us together and hosting.”
A follow- up session looking at how businesses can prepare to come out of lockdown was equally well attended with input from businesses across the whole island including Chris Trail of Lochranza Centre, Lynne Walker of Chameleon Ladies Boutique, Linda Johnston of Auchrannie Resort and James MacTaggart from Isle of Arran Distillers.
The group also heard from Sean Connaughton of Auditel, who shared advice on getting plans in place for re- opening businesses.
Sheila added: “Arran is very resilient, with amazing community initiatives, and whilst we are all looking forward, these sessions highlighted concerns from both business and community sectors.
“It was really good to see businesses sharing solutions and advice which will be helpful to many, given the new route map out of this crisis.
“Huge thanks must go to the Chamber for bringing us all together”
Chamber CEO, Val Russell, added: “What a fantastic response we had to these events.
“It was great to see so many organisations taking part and we hope they found it useful.
“We are looking forward to visiting the island again soon and can’t wait until we can actually do it again in person.”