Moffat Centre masterplan to transform Ayrshire tourism

A tourism masterplan devised by the Moffat Centre at Glasgow Caledonian University is set to attract thousands of extra visitors to the west coast of Scotland.

Coastal routes spanning Ayrshire, the Firth of Clyde and Clyde islands are to be promoted internationally as part of a £300,000 tourism initiative backed by the Scottish Government.

Branded 'Five Routes – One Great Adventure', the project has been developed by the Moffat Centre in partnership with Tom Campbell, Managing Director of the North Coast 500.

Marketed as the ultimate trip around Scotland, North Coast 500 is now a global brand with an audience reach over 2.3billion. Its success has helped transform the local economy through increased visitor numbers.

Professor John Lennon, Dean of Glasgow School for Business and Society and Director of the Moffat Centre, said: "Using valuable lessons learned from the North Coast 500, the GCU project team have built a set of five routes that link the mainland to Bute, Cumbrae and Arran.

“We hope it repeats the success of the North Coast 500, which is fast becoming the most successful tourism development initiative in the north of Scotland. It is a real success story for tourism, impacting on accommodation, food and beverage, and retail.”

Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, announced the funding boost for Ayrshire at an industry event hosted by Scottish Tourism Alliance this week.

Around 100 stakeholders gathered for the launch of the plan.

Ms Hyslop said: “The opening of this stunning series of five ring routes will help showcase Ayrshire’s natural beauty and enhance the region’s tourism offer.

“These routes and the co-operative working between the industry and local authorities are an important development and will help Ayrshire develop as a destination showcasing to our visitors all that the region has to offer."