The Cairngorms can look forward to a boost in tourism after this year’s BBC2 Winterwatch programme, Highland Council’s convener said yesterday.
Bill Lobban is also the councillor for Badenoch & Strathspey and a passionate advocate of his area.
He said: “I am very proud to see our special home area, which we love and cherish, being broadcast in all its beautiful and magnificent winter splendour.
“The positive effect that this will have on the north and north east of Scotland tourism economy cannot be underestimated as it will encourage visits outside the busier summer season bringing a welcome off-season boost to businesses.
“I welcome the splendid job that the BBC is doing in educating and promoting its viewers on the Cairngorms National Park and its partners all working together for the long-term conservation of the area.”
Springwatch and Autumnwatch will also be based in the Cairngorms this year, at the historic Dell of Abernethy lodge.
The council’s tourism officer Colin Simpson said: “The key thing is that the Watches specifically promote the area outside the main season.
“All too often people see an area and visit when it’s convenient, often their summer holidays.
“These programmes promote things that only happen at a set time of year so if people want to see them they have to come at that time, supporting summer businesses which have capacity at other times of year.”
Mr Simpson added: “Some parts of the Cairngorms like Loch Morlich already rival Skye for numbers of visitors but a good thing about the Watches is that they also help spread people out a bit more.”
