YOUR VIEWS: Impact of Highland tourism centre closures and making our roads safer

Tourist information centres to close

Courier columnist Colin Campbell last week tackled the recent announcement by VisitScotland that it is to close its network of high street tourist information centres - know as iCentres - and move services online instead - a move he branded “a deliberate act of tourism self-harm which seems bafflingly devoid of all common sense”.

“It’s disappointing that alternative business models weren’t discussed prior to closure announcement. There are countless alternative models in place. There appears to be enough strong feelings within villages, towns and cities to consider options for retaining visitor facing information. Our experience at Loch Ness Hub & Travel is that there is still a huge demand for welcoming, local, face to face, visitor information. Meeting local people whilst travelling, is surely the whole point of visiting somewhere new, digital will never provide that.” - Russell Fraser, Drumnadrochit

“I agree completely. This is very short sighted and is not based on any real evidence or, if it is, I would like to see it. There is no substitute for talking to real live people and getting their recommendations of what to see and do and that interaction in itself is part of the tourist experience.” - Sandra MacDonald, Daventry

How do we make our roads safer for young drivers?

In his column for the Inverness Courier, David Stewart said that developing policies and campaigning to make roads safer for young drivers was “top of his political agenda” when he was an MSP and examined what more could be done.

“More obstacles means people are forced to slow down lest they risk damaging their car. Slower speeds mean fewer accidents, fewer accidents means fewer deaths and injuries. Slower speeds also mean quieter roads, less wear and tear on vehicles and infrastructure, and reduced fuel consumption. Driving shouldn't be encouraged in general, it's antisocial and terrible for the environment and people's health. If there are going to be cars then we could at least design roads such that they dissuade speeding by their physical limitations.” - Mikey Gilmour

“More education prior to learning to drive where all relevant agencies can be involved providing knowledge and experience to new young drivers.” - Robbie Stewart

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