Tourists to Aberdeen will now find it even easier to discover the north-east’s world-class golf courses, distilleries and natural beauty, thanks to a £50,000 investment in the city.
The VisitScotland information centre on Union Street was officially re-launched yesterday by the agency’s chief executive Malcolm Roughead following months of renovations.
It closed its doors in February, and has been back in business since early June.
The modern new facilities include interactive touch screens and a new smartphone app, while a team of multilingual staff are on hand to share a wealth of information about the granite city and beyond.
Mr Roughead said he was impressed with the makeover.
“It’s absolutely fantastic. Obviously there has been a lot of time and effort gone into this,” he said.
“By embracing digital technology we’re able to also help people get information on the move, so it’s now no longer just about making sure visitors get a good face to face experience.
“As well as getting all the knowledge about the north-east from our fantastic staff, they can now download it onto their phones and take it away with them, and pull it up whenever they want.”
In addition to the more advanced technology, the information point offers a wide range of high class souvenirs, as well as brochures highlighting local businesses.
Mr Roughead said the Union Street revamp had been a long time coming.
He added: “I think to say it was tired would probably be doing it a favour.
“It’s now brighter, lighter, and more reflective of the iconic sites we want to promote our visitors to go and see around Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.”
The tourism boss was joined at the opening ceremony by the Stord Ungdomskor Choir from Norway, who sang the praises of the refurbished building – not least the hospitality it offers to travellers from their country.
Liv Kari Bru, the choir’s conductor, said: “We are so pleased to be part of the VisitScotland information centre opening and hope more Norwegians will come to visit, as the people of Aberdeen are so accommodating and we always feel very welcomed.”