The future of the Pictavia tourist attraction is under threat after it was revealed VisitScotland is looking at closing its Brechin operation.
The national tourism body has intimated it is considering closing its visitor information centre at Pictavia due to the low volume of visitors, which would have huge implications for the Pictish museum run by Angus Council.
Under an informal arrangement, VisitScotland staff help operate the facility on the outskirts of Brechin, taking admission fees.
If VisitScotland leaves, it would mean Angus Council would have to employ at least two additional members of staff at a time of increased budget pressures.
The council has launched a full investigation into options for Pictavia’s future, including closure.
VisitScotland will continue there until October next year while this takes place.
Pictavia opened in 1999 and attracted more than 13,000 people through its doors in its first year. However, this has dropped to below 4,000 visitors a year.
The council’s running costs during the last three years have exceeded £175,000 and would soar if new staff were required.
The authority’s infrastructure services committee will consider the situation at a meeting on Tuesday.
For more on this story, see Friday’s Angus edition of The Courier.