A controversial new tourist route through the centre of Scotland was launched yesterday, with support for it voiced by VisitScotland, Crieff Hydro, Loch Leven Brewery and Highland Safaris.
But while the high profile voices of Perthshire and Kinross-shire tourism declare they are firmly on board, residents on the route remain unconvinced in the founder’s claim that the 200-mile road circuit is necessary to save the county from a significant drop in visitors.
Robert Cairns, managing director of Heart 200 and owner of the Fortingall Hotel near Aberfeldy, said: “With visitor numbers declining year on year in this region for several years now, Heart 200 has been designed to encourage tourism back into the heart of Scotland.
See more: Heart 200 launch date
“We aim to offer visitors a unique holiday experience - a leisurely journey through the stunning heart of Scotland, giving visitors the option of staying in the area for as long as possible.
At the website launch on July 1 at Loch Leven’s Larder, Caroline Warburton, VisitScotland’s regional leadership director, said: “New ideas like this are an excellent example of innovation within Scotland’s tourism industry to keep up with ever-changing consumer demands and ensure visitors continue to have memorable experiences.”
Stephen Leckie, CEO of the Crieff Hydro family of hotels, said: “We’re delighted that Heart 200 passes through Crieff. It will ultimately bring commercial benefits not only to the hotel, but with increased visitor numbers, to all the other Crieff based tourism businesses as well.”
Donald Riddell, director of Highland Safaris near Aberfeldy, said the route would bring “employment, income and general vibrancy,” to the region.
And Thomas Moffat, director of Loch Leven Brewery in Kinross, said Heart 200 was a “much-needed addition to tourism in Kinross”.
See more: Perthshire locals want brakes put on Heart 200 driving route
Despite the launch, many residents on the route have raised concerns about an increase in litter and traffic on country roads.
The H200 route was originally due to go through Fearnan, a sleepy area by Loch Tay, but this section has been removed, following much local opposition to the route.
See more: Concerns raised in Perthshire over new Heart 200 route
Knowing their peace at least is to be spared now the route leaves the village out, a spokesperson for the Fearnan Village Association spoke to the PA last week and said: “We are pleased that we have been listened to, and while there will still be many vehicles making their way up Fearnan Brae on route to the Fortingall Yew and beyond, hopefully we will not see a significant increase on existing traffic levels.
“With the rest of the route launching on July 1, we will continue to campaign for the lessons of the North Coast 500 to be taken on board, and for more imaginative, greener, sustainable tourism initiatives to be developed, that will generate visitors who will stay for days at a time to enjoy our peaceful environment, rather than drive-through ‘one day wonders’.”
