A PERTHSHIRE MSP yesterday criticised the Executive’s handling of the Scottish tourism industry which, it was claimed, has raised the spectre of possible local job losses.

Mid-Scotland and Fife Tory MSP Murdo Fraser is a member of the Enterprise and Culture Committee, which gathered evidence for the report debated in Parliament yesterday.

Talking about the restructuring, Mr Fraser said, “The whole process has been plagued by uncertainty and indecision, and a number of questions remain unanswered”.

He highlighted concerns that the centralisation of VisitScotland and the new structure would mean a direct loss of jobs for Perthshire businesses.

Under the old set up, local businesses benefited from work being placed with them by the local Area Tourist Boards. However, there are now fears that this will end as decisions on contracting out will take place in Edinburgh and could mean that local businesses will be overlooked.

Mr Fraser continued, “The changes that have taken place to the structure of the Area Tourist Boards have taken far too long to implement. The Scottish Executive’s inaction has been damaging Perthshire’s tourism industry.

“Due to the Executive’s incompetence over the last two years, tourist operators have effectively been in limbo over the period. Tourist operators always have to plan ahead yet the Executive’s lack of action has hindered tourism planning.

“I am disappointed with the Executive’s handling of tourism, which is Perthshire’s most important industry.

“Also, I am concerned at the centralisation of the ATB network and the impact this will have on jobs in Perthshire.

“Local knowledge and expertise is vital to a successful tourism industry.

“I am also particularly concerned about the future status of local Tourist Information Centres, which are the front line of VisitScotland and many visitors’ major interface with the organisation.”

Mr Fraser sought assurances that the new structures will not mean local businesses in Perthshire losing out to Edinburgh counterparts.

“Although we are seeing the centralisation of VisitScotland, that must not mean that Edinburgh businesses alone will win tourism related business,” he added.