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WORRIED tourism chiefs say they fear the impact of the coronavirus crisis is likely to be felt on the economy of the Loch Lomond area long after restrictions on movement have been lifted.
Fears of a 'meltdown' for the local tourism sector were expressed during talks this week between industry representatives from Loch Lomond and the surrounding area, Scotland's tourism secretary, and the Helensburgh and Lomond area's MSP.
Jackie Baillie organised a video link meeting with Fergus Ewing, Scotland's rural economy and tourism secretary, to discuss how the Scottish Government can support tourism businesses during and after the crisis.
Also present at the talks were James Fraser, chair of the Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Beth and Murdo MacLeod from the Knockderry Country House Hotel in Cove, Sandy Fraser from the Oak Tree Inn at Balmaha, and Neil Wells of the Gartocharn-based Lochs and Glens holiday company, operators of the Ardgartan Hotel in Arrochar.
All gave a stark account of how the crisis is affecting their businesses after restrictions on movement, imposed to try and slow the spread of the virus, saw the travel and tourism industry grind to an almost complete halt.
And while the talks were described on all sides as both constructive and positive, one leading industry figure in the area warned the tourism sector was in a "meltdown situation".
Ms Baillie said: “I had a very productive meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Tourism and welcome the Scottish Government’s willingness to understand that businesses in the tourism industry need robust support long after this crisis is over.
"Tourists from both within the UK and from overseas will be nervous about extensive travel for the foreseeable future and tourism businesses will really suffer as a result.
“I think the Cabinet Secretary appreciated that the support and protection needed for businesses within the tourism industry must continue for the rest of the season and I am sure that he will work to ensure that the policies and measures introduced are able to fully support and combat the difficulties facing these businesses.
"I am more than willing to continue to work alongside the Scottish Government in order to achieve this.”
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During the meeting Mr Ewing said he was keen to see a resolution to issues including rates revaluations, which left many businesses ineligible for financial help, and financial support for seasonal staff recruited after February 28, the cut-off date for the UK government's 'job retention scheme'.
James Fraser, chair of the Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and a Destination National Park Group member, said afterwards: “It was very helpful having the opportunity to brief the cabinet secretary on the gravity of the meltdown situation and the many challenges facing tourism businesses in and around the National Park.
“I am very grateful to Jackie Baillie for facilitating what was a very useful session with Mr Ewing.
"We covered a number of issues surrounding practical support measures to help tourism businesses survive during this unprecedented lockdown period with no income streams and mounting overheads.''
Beth and Murdo McLeod, owners of the Knockderry Country House Hotel, added: “We welcomed the opportunity to meet with Fergus Ewing and voice our concerns about our current situation.
"The industry has never been in more desperate need of Government support and we were pleased that the Cabinet Secretary was eager to engage with us.
“However, we believe that actions speak louder than words and we look forward to seeing how the support discussed materialises in the coming weeks and months.
"We and our staff, like so many others, will suffer from this crisis for a long time to come.
"Our small, family business will hopefully be able to make good use of the help that is already available in order to prevent the immediate loss of 20 jobs.
“If businesses like ours are to survive as we head from a disastrous spring towards the bleak seasons which follow, a coherent national strategy must be provided by the Government sooner rather than later.”
READ MORE: Click here for all the latest news stories from across Helensburgh and Lomond
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