Funding to explore Brechin's tourism potential

Pictured at the Inch Park are Derek Harper. Norma Lyall, Eleanor Mitchell, Rachel Benvie, Ann-Marie Black and Eric Gray. (Walllace Ferrier)

A year ago, Brechin and Girvan, in South Ayrshir e, were chosen to feature in a pilot project for community-led tourism by the Scottish Government.

A steering group was created with representatives from different parts of the community, supported by SENScot and Creetown Initiative.

The aim of a community-led approach is to put local people at the centre of the decision-making process to produce benefits for all – including allowing local businesses to capture the footfall of visitors to larger, popular local assets.

Brechin’s Steering Group is celebrating its first birthday with a grant of £8000 from Awards for All.

Rachel Benvie, its project support, said: “We were delighted to hear about this success last week. It will enable us to complete a feasibility study for the development of the Inch Park, which will include the old Leisure Centre.

"It is a truly lovely place which has been enhanced by the Flood Prevention Scheme and is so full of potential to become a jewel in Brechin’s crown for local people and visitors to explore and enjoy.

"With the pandemic, we have all come to realise how important our outdoor spaces are.”

The study will involve public consultation, such as a drop-in event, so that everyone can have a chance to contribute.

Other projects which have been highlighted by the group, and will be completed by March next year, are floral displays at the town entrances and key locations, and a promotional video showcasing Brechin’s unique tourism offering. The group is waiting to find out about further funding, linking in with 2022 - the Year of Scotland’s Stories.

Rachel, who has worked as curator in Angus’s museums since 1987, is excited by the prospect of engaging with the three Brechin schools and local sculptors to create something special – ‘Brechin’s Stories in Stone’ – a permanent outdoor exhibition inspired by the richness of Brechin’s written and oral heritage.

She added: “This is a very new concept and we are so fortunate to have four local stonemasons and sculptors who will be working on it.”

To find out more about Brechin Community Led Tourism and its ambitions for the future of the town, visit Angus Tourism Co- operative’s website angustourism.co.uk and the group’s own Facebook for updates.