A year ago, Brechin and Girvan were chosen to feature in a pilot project for community led tourism by the Scottish Government. A steering group was created with representatives from different elements of the community, supported by SENScot and Creetown Initiative. Brechin’s Steering Group is celebrating its first birthday with a grant of £8,000 from Awards for All.
Rachel Benvie, Project Support for the group said “We were delighted to hear about this success last week. It will enable us to complete a Feasibility Study for the development of the Inch Park, which will include the old Leisure Centre. It is a truly lovely place which has been enhanced by the Flood Prevention Scheme and is so full of potential to become a jewel in Brechin’s crown for local people and visitors to explore and enjoy. With the pandemic, we have all come to realise how important our outdoor spaces are.”
The study will involve public consultation, such as a drop in event, so that everyone can have a chance to contribute. Other projects which have been highlighted by the group and will be completed by March 2022, are floral displays at the town entrances and other key locations, and a promotional video showcasing Brechin’s unique tourism offering.
The Group are waiting to find out about further funding, linking in with 2022 – the Year of Scotland’s Stories. Rachel, who has worked as curator in Angus’s town museums since 1987, is very excited by the prospect of engaging with the three Brechin schools and local sculptors to create something really special – Brechin’s Stories in Stone – a permanent outdoor exhibition inspired by the richness of Brechin’s written and oral heritage. “This is a very new concept” she said, “and we are so fortunate to have four local stonemasons and sculptors who will be working on it.”
To find out more about Brechin Community Led Tourism and our ambitions for the future of our lovely town, visit Angus Tourism Cooperative’s website angustourism.co.uk and our own Facebook page where we will be keeping you updated!