'Slow down and get off the beaten track' – Black Isle makes pitch to visitors
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A SHARED vision that aims to encourage visitors to the Black Isle to take their time exploring the peninsula – including its less celebrated corners – was launched this week.
The Black Isle Tourism Strategy launch in Culbokie attracted a gathering of around 35 people, including local councillors, community representatives and business owners.
The event began with a walk through Culbokie woods, finishing at Culbokie Inn where the strategy was discussed over a soup and sandwich lunch.
The location was specifically chosen to emphasise themes which focus on
encouraging visitors to explore the less obvious attractions of the Black Isle.
The north side of the peninsula is sometimes overlooked and the strategy articulates ideas for slow tourism – staying longer, exploring hidden places and enjoying the surroundings throughout the year.
Key objectives include better communication – both for visitors and the different
communities in the Black Isle, greater accessibility – improved physical access to sites and
more public transport, and a year-round calendar of events and activities.
The launch marks the start of a three-month consultation with stakeholders living and
working in the Black Isle, whether they regard themselves directly involved in tourism or
not.
The document makes the point that tourism is integral to the local economy and is only
successful when residents also benefit – from improved infrastructure, more flexible
housing stock and better services.
Members of the Tourism Team steering group will be attending local markets and other community events over the coming months to engage with people about the strategy and to get their input. Currently the team is run entirely by volunteers and a short-term objective is to get funding for a paid officer to help carry out many of the other initiatives.
Chair of the tourism team Jon Palmer said: ‘This is an exciting time for the Black Isle. Its
really the first time all the different communities have come together to work on a shared
vision for the whole district.
"The Black Isle is unique in that it is a very distinct area with a relatively high population, and it is just a little bit off the radar for a lot of visitors coming to the Highlands. This puts us at an advantage as we’re learning important lessons from some of the other more popular destinations. We want visitors to really enjoy and appreciate what we have, and to feel part of the community when they’re here.
"Not simply outsiders looking in and passing through."
An online version of the strategy can be downloaded at https://tinyurl.com/y3y2w5fn
