Members mark role of tourism in Nairn’s development

Members of The Highland Council’s Nairn and Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee have noted the importance of tourism to Nairn and the Council’s role in supporting the growth of tourism in the area.

Leader of the Nairn and Badenoch and Strathspey Area committee, Councillor Liz MacDonald welcomed the works to support tourism in Nairn, she said: “Although it has been several years since tourism has been considered in detail by local members, we need to take a good look at what we have been doing as a town and how it can be improved.

“The council shall organise a Ward Form to bring together tourist business and leisure services to see if a Destination Management Organisation can be formed to agree a list of priorities for future investment, so we are prepared for LEADER funding at the end of 2014 which will be more economically driven with tourist focus.”

Councillor MacDonald added: “I believe the best thing that we can do to increase tourism in Nairn is to better market the area, promote our fantastic natural environment and develop a plan that is deliverable perhaps with the support of a jointly funded project officer.”

Colin Simpson, Highland Council’s Tourism Co-ordinator outlined the benefits of tourism for Nairn to members, including:

Mr Simpson added: “The council was a key player with partners in both securing and facilitating the smooth operation of the Scottish Open Golf Championship which was held at Castle Stuart in 2011, 2012 and 2013 and which will return in 2016. Also the Council’s leisure provider High Life Highland swimming pool, leisure centre and outdoor leisure park at Nairn Links is of key importance to the family market from Easter to September.”

Mr Simpson highlighted the investment of the EU Leader Programme of £447,514 in Nairn on projects with a total value of £622,147 (many of which projects have some impact on tourism. These include: Nairn Dunbar Golf Club’s covered practice facility; Nairn Book and Arts Festival; Nairn Winter Festival; Riverside path improvements; and Watermill Cycling project.

Members agreed that the Council could improve outcomes that benefit the tourism industry in Nairn by: