By Mark Mackay

ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS should be investigated before a decision is made over the future of Dunkeld Tourist Information Centre, according to a Perthshire councillor.

At the latest meeting of Perth and Kinross Council’s enterprise and infrastructure committee, councillors agreed to changes to the service that in Dunkeld could mean the tourist information centre leaving its current premises and sharing a building with the town’s post office.

The local authority believes the changes will enhance the services offered, extend opening hours and attract more visitors.

However, Councillor Barbara Vaughan, who represents the Strathtay ward, is writing to VisitScotland to seek assurances that all possible alternatives are explored before a final decision is made on the Dunkeld TIC.

Discussions are continuing on the proposed move, with a council report indicating that the existing building had “limitations.”

Fellow Strathtay councillor Alasdair Wylie has claimed the idea of a partnership in Dunkeld “holds real potential.”

Meanwhile, Strathearn councillor Murray Lyle said it would ensure the immediate future of the Dunkeld TIC and perhaps that of the Post Office, too.

Nonetheless, Ms Vaughan admitted she harboured major concerns about the plan and said she was seeking assurances that any move would not be detrimental to the service.

She said, “I have major concerns about the proposal for the relocation of the tourist information centre in Dunkeld.

“I have for a long time been supportive of offering opportunities to post offices to be able to provide new services in their premises, but my concerns are about the proposed opening times.

“I appreciate that in summer months the information centre will be staffed by VisitScotland staff.

“The proposed opening hours are shorter than I would like to see but are adequate and most importantly, the centre would be open seven days a week.

“During winter months, however, the service will be provided by post office staff and presumably will only be available during opening hours they will decide.

“Will there be a guarantee that information will be provided on Sundays and Bank Holidays?

“What happens when the post office is very busy, and who do the staff serve first—those wishing to post a parcel or those seeking information?

“If we are serious about supporting the tourist industry we must have a guarantee that people coming to the area could find the information they require.”

Ms Vaughan suggests using a local accommodation provider, saying a hotel would be open seven days a week and for longer hours.

“At the end of the day my main concern is to support the tourist industry in the Dunkeld area,” the councillor added.

“It provides a large number of valuable jobs and brings in an important income to the area.

“All possibilities should be explored before final decisions are made.”

The proposed changes to the TIC service come after extensive consultation with elected members and the local tourism association and a national review highlighting reduced income and increasing costs.