Councillor Ellen Forson, Councillor Les Sharp, VisitScotland Chief Executive, Malcolm Roughead, and VisitScotland Regional Partnerships Director, Liz Buchanan in front of the Speirs Centre. Photographer Fraser Band An historic building at the heart of Alloa’s community was praised by VisitScotland’s Chief Executive as it committed to ensuring Clackmannanshire’s visitors have the ultimate holiday experience.
The Speirs Centre, which has a Grade A listing from Historic Environment Scotland, has gone from strength to strength since it re-opened and has now added to its offering by joining an impressive network of VisitScotland Information Partners (VIPs), committed to providing visitors with local information, much to the delight of national tourism Chief, Malcolm Roughead.
The state of the art facility, which includes a library, registrars, local history information and a range of exhibits, was originally built in 1897 as a public baths and gymnasium, but had fallen into a state of disrepair and structural decay. Clackmannanshire Council appointed hub East Central Scotland to transform the building into a civic centerpiece for Alloa, accommodating a whole host of cultural and community-based activities.
Opened in October 2014, the new centre features a new front-of-house building while still retaining most of the original structure and features, including the landmark chimney stack. Also offering a Healthy Living Centre, a number of digital resources and a social area, it has become an integral part of the community, bringing together locals and visitors alike.
Having offered an information point and free Wi-Fi since its launch, the move to join the national tourism orgnaisation’s innovative information programme seemed like a natural progression for the Speirs Centre. The new official accreditation will add value to the service it offers and make it easier than ever before for visitors to connect with businesses and make the most of their time in Clackmannanshire.
Visiting the Speirs Centre, along with VisitScotland Regional Partnerships Director, Liz Buchanan, Malcolm was impressed with the diverse and cutting edge facilities on offer and sees them as an excellent addition to the VIP network, which now boasts almost 1,700 industry partners across Scotland.
Launched in May 2016, the VIP programme ties in with the national tourism organisation’s global Spirit of Scotland campaign and harnesses the local knowledge, warmth and enthusiasm of partners across the country to help visitors receive the warmest of welcomes and make the most of their trip to Scotland.
Councillor Les Sharp, Clackmannanshire Council Leader, said: “Everyone at the Speirs Centre is delighted to be part of the VIP programme. Providing information for locals and visitors has always been a key focus and, along with VisitScotland, we are confident we can help visitors make the most of their time in Alloa and the rest of Clackmannanshire.”
Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland Chief Executive said: “The Speirs Centre is an outstanding venue offering a range of activities and facilities for visitors and locals alike. They are a key element of Clackmannanshire’s tourism product and now, as members of the VIP programme, they can help promote the area and ensure visitors get the best experience possible in Scotland’s Wee County.
“The VIP programme celebrates and supports tourism providers as they act as local ambassadors and help provide information, assistance and advice on all there is to see and do here. This follows a growing trend among consumers to use online resources to plan their trips and we now have partners throughout the country providing high quality information and advice to visitors with whom they interact.”
The programme forms part of VisitScotland’s focus on information which also includes a global online community to allow Scots and those who love Scotland to bring alive the streets, characters and landscapes of our country.
The scheme is open to all Quality Assured businesses, as well as community groups, local authority-operated library services and social enterprises. VisitScotland provides the partner sites with official signage and collateral, promotional material and information resources to make sure visitors receive an excellent standard of information about the area and the rest of Scotland.
Source:- VisitScotland
Tags: VisitScotland Tourism
