Comments on: Moray Coast: A Tourist Destination or not?

By: Iain

Iain — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:00:05 +0000

Nairnbairn has brilliantly outlined the issues the tourism group are debating. You are not a sleeper in the group that I don’t know about? Blackpool was never mentioned at our AGM. The debate has everything to do with managing our own destiny. Do nothing, say nothing and you get change forced upon you – and generally change we all hate. Engage as early as you can and you have the chance to manage and control the worst effects of change – often driven by government targets and obliging developers.
Nairnbairn, if you are not already on the tourism group, you should be! We now have a membership category of Friend of Nairn for those concerned about Nairn’s future and wish to contribute ideas and practical support.

By: william fraser milne

william fraser milne — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 21:07:58 +0000

well said nairnbairn you have it in a nutshell we should promote nairn it has lots to offer green space beach golf the list goes on.

By: Brian Turner

Brian Turner — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 10:32:25 +0000

Oh, I agree – I did mention that “I’m not suggesting we should therefore concrete the coast and fill it with arcades and amusements” – as much as highlight the point “Despite superb beaches, few places seem to capitalise on their location”.

The harbour redevelopment in Nairn is a clear example where something could have been achieved, but by all accounts, remains a lost opportunity.

I think it’s merely underlinging the point about a lack of joined up thinking for planning for tourism in the region, and that opportunities remain to revitalise this industry.

By: nairnbairn

nairnbairn — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:53:29 +0000

It’s important to have a thoughtful discussion about the future of tourism in Nairn and indeed the Moray Firth coast. There’s a huge agenda to tackle, and it affects everyone. But we need to take care not to wreck the very things that (most) visitors come to the area to find.

With all due respect to Yorkshire and those who come from there, I am not sure that

“…a variety of outlets – beach supplies, cafes, ice cream parlours, pubs, arcades, gift shops, etc, lining beach front promenades”

is the formula for Nairn’s tourism future. Two fundamental points:

1) Times have changed. The entertainment and facilities of Filey, Scarborough and similar resorts date from an era when holiday patterns and expectations were different. Before cheap air travel, before video and the internet, in an age when people looked to “be entertained and amused”. Tourists and visitors now have different expectations. In particular…

2) People – and visitors – now value local character, nature, clean air and unspoilt environment much more than they used to. My guess is they don’t think of coming to Nairn in the hope of finding an ersatz Blackpool. What Nairn can offer – and what most visitors probably want – are clean beaches (no litter), clean seas (no sewage or pollution), fresh air (no traffic fumes), nice views, and yes, maybe even some exercise (golf, bike-ride, walk in green surroundings…). And whatever they want to do, they want to decent, interesting food (not Harry Ramsdens and McDonalds, but interesting local produce) and to eat and shop in places that are open at mealtimes and weekends.

In a nutshell, sustainable tourism, which plays to the unique character of the area. You can build a disco, games arcade, or amusement park anywhere. Such things don’t depend on, and rarely enhance, their immediate surroundings. So perhaps Nairn needs to think about targeting the tourists of the future, who will increasingly be looking for unique character and authenticity, rather than slot machines and T-shirt shops.

This also means we need to think very hard about what we build (or rebuild) in Nairn. Or we may end up ruining the very features that give Nairn the quality of life, and of leisure, that both residents and visitors seek.

Let the debate flourish!