Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP, Angus Brendan MacNeil is calling on Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs to step in and reverse Visit Scotland’s decision to close the tourist information centres in Lochmaddy and Castlebay and to reopen the Lochboisdale tourist information centre which was closed last year.

Last month Mr MacNeil accused Visit Scotland of ‘Relinquishing its responsibilities to rural areas’ following the announcement to close tourist information centres in Lochmaddy and Castlebay.

Visit Scotland will have no presence in Uist or Barra – the 70 mile stretch from Berneray to Vatersay.

Commenting Angus MacNeil MP said:

“The closure of the Lochmaddy tourist information centre is another blow for employment in Uist and it is particularly concerning given the current situation surrounding the Hebrides Range.

“Similarly, in Castlebay, where RBS are proposing to close the branch this closure is a blow to the workforce and the wider tourist sector.

“The tourist information centres in our islands are a valuable source of information and at a time when tourism is booming, the decision by Visit Scotland to close offices is simply wrong.

“My constituents have compared the actions of Visit Scotland to the Ministry of Defence and the RBS in the way they are treating the communities of Uist and the community of Barra.  I am therefore asking the Scottish Government to step in and reverse the closure of these tourist information centres.”

ENDS