Heart of Sutherland Tourism goes into abeyance after no interest shown in taking group forward
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An independent Sutherland tourism group has fallen by the wayside after all but one member of its management committee stood down and no one else came forward to take their place.
Heart of Sutherland Tourism (HoST) announced that it was going into abeyance, although steps have been taken to make sure the group can be resurrected easily in the short-term.
Ashley and Tracey Smith, who run Invercassley Cottage B&B, served as chairman and secretary of HoST.
Mrs Smith said: “As you can imagine we are all very sad about this situation as we have all enjoyed our involvement with the group, promoting the area and working with our members to promote their businesses.”
Formed in 2015, HoST has worked hard over the last six years to encourage visitors to an area running from Altnaharra to the north to Ardgay in the south and Ledmore Junction and Strath Fleet in the east and west.
Mrs Smith has previously said: “Most visitors just follow the NC500 tourism route and don't realise there is a lot more to see and do in the area.
“We wanted to show that you can still get away from it all, enjoy quieter roads and experience the real Highlands.”
The group established a website and in May last year released a new tourism map and visitor guide with funding from Foundation Scotland and E.ON Rosehall Community Fund.
Routes around central Sutherland were shown on the map with places of interest highlighted along with local facilities such as shops, fuel stations, accommodation, eateries and public toilets.
In addition HoST had an active social media presence with promotional videos and a local business highlighted weekly.
HoST made it known throughout 2021 to its members and the wider community that new people were needed to take the group forward - a minimum of four people are required to serve as chairperson, vice-chair, treasurer and secretary.
“Sadly, there was no interest from anyone and no one attended our AGM in December to put themselves forward,” said Mrs Smith.
“Most of us have been on the committee since 2015 while running our own businesses as well. Several of our long-standing committee members had indicated they planned to stand down and we were left with just one committee member which meant we were unable to remain as an active group.”
However, following a meeting after the AGM, it was agreed to ensure that HoST could be easily revived within the next two years should interest be shown.
“The group will remain dormant for a year with the bank account left open so that if anyone else comes forward willing to set up a new committee, everything can be transferred over to them,” said Mrs Smith.
If no one comes forward after a year, as per our constitution, the accounts will be closed and any remaining balance will be transferred to another group with similar aims and objectives.”
HoST’s website will also remain up and running as the costs of its maintenance has already been met for 2022.
Mrs Smith has also agreed to continue to operate HoST’s social media page for a year including the Business of the Week posts.
News that the group was being mothballed was greeted with sadness by social media users.
Margaret Bisset, Edinburgh, posted: “As a visitor to Sutherland for over 40 years, I have really appreciated all the information. Hopefully others will come forward.”
Heather McRoberts wrote: “You have all done an amazing job. Thank you for your hard work raising awareness of the Sutherland area over the last few years, it has been appreciated.
And Ann Paterson said: “The group has been amazing in promoting the area and businesses."
