‘Activity centres are in desperate need of help’
Perthshire outdoor activity centres are calling for more government support, with many only keeping their facilities afloat by injecting personal funds.
This sector of the tourism market has been unable to access specific government bailout measures during the pandemic and increasingly feels undervalued.
Several outdoor activity centres have raised concerns about their financial plight and anxieties about how they will cope in the future.
Among them is Steve Thomas, owner of Freespirits in Grandtully.
He said: “My business could only claim for up to £3000 in total for the Marine and Outdoor Tourism Restart Fund, whereas other sectors can claim up to £9000, followed by a £2000 monthly payment during lockdown.
“It is my belief that the amount made available to this fund hugely undervalues the contribution of outdoor activity providers to the Scottish Tourism economy, leaving a large proportion of those businesses struggling, with the very probable outcome of them having to close permanently, due to the severe lack of financial support that this package offers.”
Steve added: “It is a bit ironic that the package has been entitled ‘Restart Fund’ when we have no idea when we will legally be able to re-start, yet we are expected to use personal funds and/or savings to try and keep ourselves afloat.”
Following conversations with other outdoor operators feeling the squeeze of a year without tourists or school groups, Highland ward councillor John Duff and Murdo Fraser MSP are calling for outdoor activity centres to receive more help.
The Conservative duo feel the Marine and Outdoor Tourism Restart Fund is insufficient and that many outdoor tourism businesses have been excluded from the strategic framework.
Cllr Duff said: “The outdoor activity sector forms a massive part of the tourism industry in Highland Perthshire and its survival is vital to the recovery of our local economy.
“It is extremely concerning that the sector has lacked financial support to the point that many of these businesses are on the verge of going under with the loss of muchneeded jobs.
“It is no wonder that the Outdoor Activity sector feels totally undervalued by the government and its high time that they recognised the disparity in their funding for this and other key sectors.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We recognise how challenging the restrictions are for many businesses including outdoor activity centres.
“Since the start of the pandemic we have allocated more than £3 billion to support businesses across Scotland.
“The Strategic Framework Business Fund provides grants every four weeks for businesses required by law to close or to significantly modify their operations.
“In addition, the £120 million local authority discretionary fund is empowering local authorities to direct funding to specific groups or sectors within their areas.
“The use of this funding is entirely at the discretion of local authorities based on the specific needs of their local economies.
“Furthermore, in recognition of the value of outdoor adventure we have provided £2m to 33 residential outdoor education centres – many of whom deliver experiences beyond children and young people.”