Moray business owners left disappointed after demise of Visit Moray Speyside which provided ‘invaluable’ support to Findhorn couple’s self catering business Rosebay Cottage
The owners of a self catering business in Findhorn have been left disappointed after the demise of the region’s official tourism body.
A crucial vote on March 21 saw just 69 eligible firms back the renewal of Visit Moray Speyside (VMS) while 203 voted against it.
If businesses had backed the group it would have received a second five-year mandate to continue promoting local tourism.
However, its operations will now come to an end on March 31.
Lucy and Pete Williamson, who own the Rosebay Cottage in the heart of Findhorn, were among a minority to back VMS.
The pair, who have run the business since 2010, say VMS has provided invaluable support for their business including help navigating new self-catering rules and regulations as well as identifying funding opportunities for business improvements.
That included help securing a digital upgrade grant which has allowed the couple to launch their updated website.
Mrs Williamson said: “We wouldn’t have known about that grant without them and as a result we’ve completely revamped our website and we’ve got a much better booking system.
“The team have just been such great support and nothing was too much trouble for them. It’s been invaluable”
Businesses who voted against the renewal of VMS criticised the organisation’s levy system which capped payments at a maximum of £3500 regardless of the size of the business.
It was claimed that the system discriminated against smaller businesses in Moray.
But Mrs Williamson says the fee was worth it for the “visibility” VMS brought to the region.
She said: “It is a bit of a blow because for the fee that we would have to pay, we feel that’s covered by the increasing business that they were bringing to the area.
“The advantages of having them there to support us far outweighed the disadvantage of the costs involved.
“We weren’t surprised it was a no vote though, because I recognise that for some people, with the current cost of living crisis and the difficulties small businesses are facing, it’s yet another fee to pay.
“But we were surprised by the lack of support for an organisation that, in our view, has been nothing but supportive.”
