Edward Mountain hails success of Let's Talk Tourism in Wick

The Let's Talk Tourism host and panellists. (L-R: Edward Mountain, Vikki Brightman, Struan Mackie, and David Richardson)

A local MSP has hailed the success of his event ‘Let’s Talk Tourism’, which was hosted at the Assembly Rooms in Wick on Wednesday 21st August.

Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain hosted the summit to present a chance for locals and industry representatives to have their say on the problems and opportunities which tourism creates within the Highlands.

The meeting enjoyed good attendance with people travelling from across the Highlands to listen and contribute.

David Richardson (NC500), Struan Mackie (Highland Councillor), and Vikki Brightman (local campsite owner) were panellists for an evening which heard discussion and debate on topics such as the benefits of tourism to local communities, the Highland Council’s new voluntary scheme to open car parks to motorhomes, and the necessity for a review of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

The event was the third in Edward Mountain’s series of ‘Let’s Talk’ meetings, after ‘Let’s Talk Energy’ in May and ‘Let’s Talk Health’ last year.

Scottish Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain said:

“The tourism discussion in Wick was incredibly positive with people attending from across the Highlands.

“The importance of tourism was accepted by all, as was the need to ensure that communities benefitted from it.

“The problem of camper vans was obviously discussed, and it was agreed that the Highland Council scheme of opening up car parks for overnight stays by camper vans was almost universally disliked. I have been asked to contact the Highland Council to try and get them to review, or, better still, revoke the scheme.

“There was also an acceptance that the Scottish Outdoor Access Code needs to be reviewed after 20 years; many consider it no longer fit for purpose.”