A business surgery has been organised for a Moray town to try and help firms struggling from the effects from the closure of a popular footbridge.
The only access to Lossiemouth’s East Beach was shut in July last year after it buckled under the weight of sun-seekers.
The process to appoint a contractor to design and build a replacement bridge has already begun.
However, Moray Council has warned it is likely to be summer next year by the time the Scottish Government-funded project has been completed.
Some firms on the beachfront reported that takings had halved in the weeks following the closure.
Now Visit Scotland has organised an advice session to try and assist firms still struggling to come to terms with the blow.
Regional Director Jo Robinson said: “Visit Scotland already works with a number of tourism businesses is Lossiemouth and our priority is supporting them whilst the bridge is closed.
“A business surgery open day in the town will hopefully encourage businesses to utilise our promotional channels as well as getting one-to-one business advice.
“It can help them understand things like the booking behaviour of visitors and explain more about how they can use our promotional channels to maximise their business’s exposure.”
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead added: “I welcome the support of Visit Scotland to promote Lossiemouth as a visitor destination – we all need to keep shouting from the rooftops to remind people just how much the town has to offer, despite the footbridge being closed.”
Seven 30-minute advice surgeries will be run in the Harbour Lights in Lossiemouth on Wednesday, February 26 between 10am and 3.30pm.
For more information and to sign up contact Cassie McEwan by calling 01463 244171, 07780 954914 or by e-mailing cassie.mcewan@visitscotland.com
