Council anger as Welsh firm scoops VisitScotland deal

A DECISION to award Welsh manufacturers a lucrative contract for new VisitScotland uniforms has been criticised by city chiefs.

The contract, which could be worth up to 50,000 over the next three years, was won by Port Talbot-based firm First Corporate Clothing following a tender process which attracted five bids.

It is not known the value of rival companies' quotes nor the number of Scottish firms involved in the process, although the lowest and highest offers were 42,000 and 54,000, respectively.

The new uniforms are being created for information centre staff at the quango's 100 visitor centres across Scotland. It has the option to cancel after each year of the three-year deal, but at least 15,000-worth of uniforms will be made initially in Wales during the first year.

Councillor Andrew Burns said: "It strikes me as unfortunate that uniforms for Scotland's tourist body cannot be sourced, manufactured and purchased within Scotland itself. Understandably, they have to find best value, particularly in the current economic climate, but it's a great pity we cannot do this within Scotland."

Councillor Gordon Buchan said: "Times are tough but they have a standard selection process and it's still a British company that the contact has been awarded to and not an overseas firm. But it is a shame that no one more local could produce these uniforms at an attractive price."

A spokesman for VisitScotland said: "VisitScotland has to make the most efficient use of its resources and it is essential that we explore options that offer taxpayers the best value for money.

"After careful consideration, First Corporate Clothing was chosen as VisitScotland's new uniform supplier because, of the five applications we received, the company scored highest overall under the criteria of value for money, quality and the capacity to supply."

VisitScotland is reportedly facing budget cuts over the next three years of up to 20 per cent. In October, a leaked confidential tender document issued by the organisation produced embarrassing headlines after it admitted branding at their information centres was a "confusing mess" with no sense "of true brand identity at all".