02-08-06
Charles on brand new mission to boost north
PRINCE
Charles yesterday launched a new tourism strategy to boost the economy
of the north Highlands.
A year ago the prince visited the Castle of Mey in Caithness to launch the
Mey Selections brand, which promotes local produce as part of his North Highland
Initiative (NHI).Yesterday he was back at his beloved grandmother’s
former home to announce
the second phase of his project – the Pleasure in the Extreme label.
The prince said Mey
Selections, which markets beef, lamb and cheeses from the region, had
seen a turnover of £2million in its first year, with an extra £150,000
going into the farmer’s pockets. It is hoped the new tourism brand will
also reap great rewards for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross-shire.
The prince said NHI aimed to promote and develop the economy of the region in
relation to agriculture, tourism and the built environment.
He said the North Highlands Tourism Operators Group, set up in 2004, now had
more than 150 members, including representatives from the hotels, bed and breakfasts,
historic castles and other organisations.
Charles said; “I have always believed there to be in safety in numbers.
People start paying more attention when you all co-operate together. So the potential
for tourism growth is enormous.” He said the strategy was based on three
key strands – to present the north Highlands as one distinctive region,
to encourage people to stay longer and spend more, and to persuade them to spread
their visits throughout the year.
The new brand focused on the physical and environmental extremes that existed
in the north highlands, he said.
He wishes the tourism operators at the launch every possible success and told
them he looked forward to returning next year to see the results.
Hilda Morrison, of Shormary self-catering, Scarfskerry, near Thurso, said the
prince spoke to her about the need for training in the hospitality industry. “He
was very interested and agreed that more training was necessary to improve the
quality of the service we provide to visitors to boost tourism business in the
area,” she said.
And Fred Fermor, whose company John O’ Groats Ferries runs wildlife cruses,
said; “This group has strength in numbers and the royal seal of approval
rounds it off nicely.”
Earlier in the day, the prince visited the Environmental Research Institute at
Thurso, where he was met by two animal rights protesters campaigning against
the use of bearskins worn by the guards outside Buckingham Palace.
Joan Sim, 21 , from Thurso, was accompanied by Clair Hughes, 23 also of Thurso,
dressed as a black bear on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
(Peta). Ms Sim carried a placard displaying the words “Bear Hugs, NOT Bear
Skins” and Miss Hughes held a sign saying “Save my skin.” They
hoped to persuade the prince to use his influence with the Queen and the Ministry
of Defence to switch to fake fur for the guardsmen’s headwear.
The prince, wearing a Lord of the Isles Kilt, seemed unaware of the protest as
he was introduced to local dignitaries by Caithness Lord Lieutenant Anne Dunnett.
He was then given a tour of the Environmental Research Institute and introduced
to staff by its director Dr Stuart Gibb.
After the visit, Dr Gibb said;” The Environmental
Research Institute only
opened in 2000. This high-profile visit by Prince Charles is further evidence
of the progress in developing the centre and its profile we have made since this
time.
“ We now have almost 30 highly-motivated staff and research students engaged
on addressing a range of topical environmental issues such as climate change,
water quality and renewable energy.
“ It was a real pleasure to show the prince around the centre. He demonstrated
both a keen interest and a considerable insight into the environmental issues
we discussed.”
