North Coast 500 and campervanning among topics at tourism summit in Wick
The impact of tourism on communities around the North Coast 500 will be among the topics under discussion at a summit in Wick this summer.
Organised by Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain, the Let’s Talk Tourism meeting will be held in Wick on Wednesday, August 21.
David Richardson, Struan Mackie, and Vikki Brightman will join the Conservative MSP for a discussion on the future of tourism in the Highlands.
David Richardson is the newly appointed development and engagement manager of the NC500, and has 13 years’ experience from his previous post at the Federation of Small Businesses.
Struan Mackie is a Conservative councillor for Thurso and Northwest Caithness, and the Provost of Thurso.
Vikki Brightman is the co-owner of Ferry View Campsite near John O’Groats.
Edward Mountain said he is looking forward to welcoming the panellists to the Assembly Rooms in Wick at 6pm on the 21st, when the topics discussed are expected to include camping and campervanning, roads and infrastructure, and the North Coast 500.
It will give industry insiders as well as members of the public a chance to have their say on the problems and opportunities which tourism creates across the Highlands.
Mr Mountain has previously raised concerns about the mess that the tourist trail can leave behind in the Highlands. He has he called for “a refresh rather than a rewrite” of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, something which he is jointly working on in parliament.
He said: “I am excited to welcome David Richardson, Struan Mackie and Vikki Brightman to speak at Let’s Talk Tourism on August 21. I am sure that their knowledge and experience will make for dynamic discussions between panellists and the audience; all contributions will be extremely valuable both to the event and to my work in parliament.
“Tourism is vital to the Highland economy, but it must be carefully regulated so that local communities and landscapes are not blighted by careless visitors.
“The Highlands are home, not just a holiday destination.”
Tickets for the event are free but must be booked at https://www.edwardmountainmsp.scot/lets-talk-tourism
