Ayrshire's last tourist information centre to close for good

The Brodick iCentre on Arran will close its doors within the next two years - along with VisitScotland's entire network of information centres.

Scotland's tourism authority now plan to invest in a 'digital-first' strategy. And as a result the once much-loved 'TICs' which graced towns and cities across Scotland will soon be no more.

Today Sheila Gilmore, the Chief Executive of VisitArran described the move as "a blow for the wider tourism offering, and, of course, for the local staff".

The Brodick iCentre was the last surviving one in Ayrshire following the demise of the Ayr tourist information centre back in January 2018.

Ayr's tourist information centre closed in 2018 (Image: Street View)

At the time, VisitScotland, which ran the Ayr centre, said visitors to the office had plunged by 62 per cent over 10 years. And accommodation bookings through the Sandgate-based premises dived by 87 per cent during that time.

The information centre in Largs, on the town's promenade, closed down some years earlier.

All VisitScotland information centres – known in recent years as as iCentres - will operate as usual until the end of September as part of phased two-year closure programme.

VisitScotland is currently engaging with stakeholders to discuss local arrangements. 

VisitScotland say changing behaviours in the digital age paved the way for the end of the information centres.

They revealed that most people now planned their holidays using online resources and travel specialists to research and book all aspects of their trips. This includes arranging accommodation and activities before they arrive at their destination.  

To adapt to this shift in behaviour, VisitScotland will target channels it knows visitors use to inspire and influence where visitors go, when they come and what they do, including promoting lesser-known destinations and quieter times of year. 

The former Largs tourist information office later became a restaurant (Image: Newsquest)

The new approach will help the national tourism organisation to deliver its core purpose to drive the visitor economy and grow its value to Scotland by reaching more people and influencing visitors from Scotland’s key global markets. 

TikTok, YouTube, online travel websites and tools like AI are among the ways people now find and plan holiday experiences.  

Similarly, with almost two thirds (64 per cent) of international visitors to Scotland booking as part of a package, the role tour operators and travel agents can play in helping international visitors plan holidays to Scotland has also become increasingly important. 

Lord Thurso, VisitScotland chair, said: “The tourism landscape has changed significantly in recent years.

"The demand for iCentres has reduced while the demand for online information and booking has continued to grow. In order to continue building demand and growing the value of tourism and events, it is vitally important that we target channels we know visitors use to influence them to visit Scotland.

“Our research shows that as an organisation, we have a greater and more impactful role to play in providing information before visitors travel. Prioritising a digital-first model of information provision allows us to reach potential visitors at those early planning stages when we can shape their future travel decisions.

“Together with businesses and our partners, we want to build on success and ensure that across all areas of our work – marketing, destination development, business advice, insights and events - we prioritise the activities that will deliver for our industry and for Scotland.

“By evolving our work in this way, we will be able to invest in the activities that will accelerate sustainable growth in the visitor economy, helping create jobs, sustain communities and attract investment for the future.” 

On hearing the news, Sheila Gilmore, the Chief Executive of VisitArran said: "This is indeed a blow for the wider tourism offering, and of course for the local staff.

"Whilst much information is available online, there's no doubt that many of Arran's visitors appreciate a friendly face to talk to.

"However, it's important to remember this will be a phased closing across the network, and the iCentre in Brodick will remain open until September at the earliest, and possibly until next March.

"VisitArran has always worked closely with VisitScotland. As an independent  DMO (destination management organisation), we are run by, and for, the island businesses and community groups, and we will continue to promote the island, and provide visitor information as much as possible, assisting visitors as and when we can."