Aileen Campbell, SNP MSP for South of Scotland, has expressed her concern at South Lanarkshire Council’s decision to cut £95,000 of funding to Tourist Information Centres at Lanark, Biggar and Abington, and has called on interested parties to work together to secure the future of the services.

Aileen has written to VisitScotland, South Lanarkshire Council and the Scottish Government to ask what support is available for the Centres, and suggested that a range of options including co-locating the centres with local businesses or post offices be looked at if necessary. The Scottish Government recently announced a £1m Post Office Diversification Fund in its budget, and Aileen has asked Enterprise Minister Jim Mather whether this could be used to support such a move.

Commenting, Aileen Campbell MSP said:

" UK Government cuts to Scotland’s budget are requiring difficult decisions to be made across the public sector, but I believe it is important that vital services and those which help to support the wider economy are protected.

"The Tourist Information Centres in Lanark, Biggar and Abington play an important role in making sure the wider area benefits from tourism, and that as many visitors as possible to this part of the South of Scotland region can take the opportunity to enjoy its many attractions and heritage while also contributing to the local economy.

"There have been suggestions in the past that facilities could be co-located with local businesses or Post Offices, and it seems sensible for interested parties to look at such options if that’s what is needed to keep the services open. The Post Office Diversification Fund announced in the recent Scottish Budget might well be able to support such a move, and I look forward to hearing what the Minister has to say about that.

"Biggar, Lanark, Abington and the surrounding areas need to retain a tourist information service, and I hope everyone interested will work together to ensure these cuts do not mean the end of the service."