Petition launched to save Jedburgh tourist information centre from closure
Last updated 27th Mar 2024
A petition's been launched to save the tourist information office in Jedburgh from closure.
VisitScotland says it plans to close all 25 iCentres - including the one near the Borders abbey - within the next two years, as more people book their holidays online.
But local MP John Lamont's vowed to fight the move. He's urging the Scottish Government to step in.
The UK Government Minister for Scotland said: "The closure of all 25 VisitScotland tourist information centres across the country will be a blow to our towns and puts at a disadvantage the many thousands of tourists from the UK and beyond, who use their services.
"While online tourism is growing, it is not available to all and these centres from Lerwick to Dumfries ensure vital information can be accessed by those tourists, particularly the elderly.
"I'd urge the Scottish Government to consider the impact this will have on local businesses and on visitors to areas where tourism is a huge part of the local economy."
Conservative Party colleague and local MSP, Rachael Hamilton, is also urging a rethink.
She said: "This is a bitter blow for local businesses and towns that are working hard to attract more tourists.
"It's unacceptable for the SNP Government to stand by and let the local economy suffer when tourism is such a vital sector in the Borders. I am particularly frustrated that this snap decision has been made with almost no local consultation.”
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It's not the first time the tourist office in Jedburgh - described as a gateway to the Borders - has come under-threat.
But, as things stand, all VisitScotland information centres – known as iCentres - will operate as usual until the end of September as part of phased two-year closure programme.
With the growth in social media platforms and online influencers, VisitScotland wants to reinvest the money in a new digital-first strategy.
Lord Thurso, VisitScotland Chair, said: “The tourism landscape has changed significantly in recent years. The demand for iCentres has reduced while the demand for online information and booking has continued to grow. In order to continue building demand and growing the value of tourism and events, it is vitally important that we target channels we know visitors use to influence them to visit Scotland.
“Our research shows that as an organisation, we have a greater and more impactful role to play in providing information before visitors travel. Prioritising a digital-first model of information provision allows us to reach potential visitors at those early planning stages when we can shape their future travel decisions.
“Together with businesses and our partners, we want to build on success and ensure that across all areas of our work – marketing, destination development, business advice, insights and events - we prioritise the activities that will deliver for our industry and for Scotland.
“By evolving our work in this way, we will be able to invest in the activities that will accelerate sustainable growth in the visitor economy, helping create jobs, sustain communities and attract investment for the future.”
To sign the petition, click here - https://www.johnlamont.org/campaigns/save-jed-visitor-centre
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