News From Scotland

Like much of the world, Scotland has suffered a turbulent year as a result of the global recession. The closure of high street shops, increased unemployment, and reduced disposable income, are some of the consequences that have affected many Scottish people. The well-documented troubles of Scottish based organisations, Royal Bank of Scotland and the HBOS group, made global news and caused ripples across not only the Scottish economy but also the global economy.

However, it was not all bad - the Scottish tourism industry has actually profited over the last year. Some of this profit is due to the number of British people enjoying a ‘staycation’ and choosing to holiday in the United Kingdom. The most noticeable improvement in Scottish tourism however is the return of the Scottish

ski season.

During the winter of 2009/2010 the UK experienced an unusually cold winter. Temperatures plummeted to well below zero for many consecutive days. During February 2010 in the highland town of Braemar the temperature fell to minus 18 degrees centigrade. Many schools across the UK were closed, transport systems were disrupted, and many businesses suffered losses as a result of diminished trade and absent staff. However, the big freeze had an extremely positive impact upon the Scottish ski slopes. Glenshee has seen its best snowfall in well over 20 years and has resulted in an extended ski season. This has lead to more people travelling up to the Glenshee ski slopes and passing through MacThomas land. After suffering a huge decline in trade over recent years, due to warmer winters and reduced snowfall, this increase in tourism has been fantastic for Glenshee and has aided the Scottish economy during one its most challenging years.

If this weather is a sign of times to come then the Scottish tourism industry will continue to grow and profit. This leads one to consider what impact such weather and increased tourism will have upon the local residents of Glenshee, both human and animal. Recent discussions have considered reintroducing some of Scotland’s

native wildlife, which have not inhabited Scottish land for some time. Discussions include the reintroduction of the wolf, the beaver, the white-tailed eagle, and the lynx. Such reintroductions are also likely to impact upon the Scottish tourism industry.

Building of the third Forth road bridge and the Edinburgh tram network, despite creating an initial outlay of funds, will also assist in the development of the Scottish economy. Therefore, whilst it has been a rather dark year for the Scottish economy generally, Scotland is nevertheless continuing to promote itself as a leader in tourism, history, and culture.

Kirstie Thoms (European Secretary)