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Gairloch TIC
In 2002 and 2003 the Highlands of Scotland Tourist Board (HOST) failed to open their information centre in Gairloch in time for Easter, the start of the main local tourist season. Tourism is extremely important to the local economy with the local Tourist Information Centre (TIC) playing a pivotal role in the local tourist industry. Having it closed at such a busy time of year was seen as detrimental to the economy so local people decided to take action. After much negotiation with HOST GALE signed a partnership agreement in November 2003 to manage the TIC for HOST (and now Visit Scotland) on behalf of the local community. One of the first things we did was to introduce year round opening for the first time. We also introduced a wide range of locally made products into the small shop which forms part of the TIC, in order to make a stronger contribution to the local economy. Visitor numbers and sales rose significantly in the first year and GALE has continued to introduce similar improvements and grow the business. Local support for the project is excellent with many local people now using the shop on a regular basis to buy locally made gifts and greetings cards. In 2008 over 16,000 people used Gairloch TIC.
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