Cllr Donald Crichton, Chair of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Sustainable Development Committee has expressed disappointment at the planned closure of Visit Scotland’s Stornoway Visitor Information Centre.
Visit Scotland announced last week their decision to close all 25 information centres (iCentres) by 2026, including the centre on Cromwell Street Stornoway.
Visit Scotland has stated that the closures are part of a move towards “digital-first” visitor information delivery.
Cllr Crichton, said:
“The planned closure of the Stornoway Visitor Information Centre is hugely disappointing, coming so soon after the successful arrival of the first cruise ship to the Deep Water Port.
“Whilst it is recognised that the way visitors research destinations and secure bookings has moved online there are still particular market segments that rely on physical information centres, this is particularly true of older demographics and cruise passengers, who appreciate the direct contact provided by staff in the I centres.
“I would urge Visit Scotland to work with the Comhairle and the Port Authority to ensure the offering provided to visitors remains appropriate and accessible”
