MACLEOD ESTATE SUPPORTS NEW VISITOR INFORMATION SERVICES IN SKYE AND LOCHALSH

A number of changes and additions to the provision of visitor information in Skye and Lochalsh are taking place to ensure that tourists to the area continue to receive a quality range of services.

From Easter 2012, a new seasonal Information Point in Partnership will open at Dunvegan Castle’s St Kilda Shop & Gallery, replacing the service previously provided, up until October 31, 2011, by the Visitor Information Centre in Dunvegan.

This follows a review conducted by local stakeholder groups earlier this year after Highland Council’s Service Point, which also operated out of the Visitor Information Centre, was closed in March 2011.

Scott Armstrong, Regional Director for VisitScotland, said: “The growth of our tourist industry relies on cooperation between businesses and service providers and we are delighted with this move towards the introduction, next year, of an Information Point at Dunvegan Castle’s St Kilda Shop & Gallery.

“This will be a perfect location for tourists to visit as they plan their trip to this area as well as onward travel to Skye and the wider Highlands and Islands.”

Janet Clarke, MacLeod Estate Executive Director said, ”We are looking forward to working in partnership with Visit Scotland by including a visitor information service as part of the retail offer at St. Kilda Shop & Gallery. Dunvegan Castle & Gardens welcomes over 100,000 visitors each year and providing them with information to help with their stay on Skye is something we already do on an informal basis. However, by providing a focal point for visitor information we can further support local businesses which form an essential part of the tourism industry in Scotland.”