Western Isles have the natural assets to boost tourism

GREATER promotion of its natural assets could help the Western Isles attract an extra 50,000 tourists within five years.

A Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) report says the Outer Hebrides generates 49.9 million from tourism, which supports 1,250 full-time equivalent jobs.

Much of this flows from the area's spectacular wildlife, landscape and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Ideas to help bring in more visitors include long-distance walking and cycling routes, from the Butt of Lewis to Vatersay, attracting more cruise liners and working to bring more people in during "shoulder" months.

The report identifies priority areas for the tourism partnership, consisting of the islands' council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, VisitScotland, SNH and the Outer Hebrides Tourism Industry Association (OHTIA).

These include revamping the VisitHebrides website and a greater focus on nature-based assets with the most potential for growth, while encouraging other businesses to consider nature tourism services.

SNH area manager David Maclennan said the Western Isles' natural assets have been one of their "best kept secrets". He continued: "We are lucky to have iconic habitats and species in abundance with excellent opportunities to see eagles, otters, seabirds, whales and dolphins to name but a few. So we need to consider how best to use this asset in a sustainable manner.

"Our natural assets can help to attract more visitors to the Outer Hebrides, and benefit the local economy."

The islands attract 195,766 visitors annually and there are signs there could be a repeat of last year's boom in UK "staycation" visitors opting for an island holiday rather than going overseas.

Visitor numbers have been boosted by the introduction of cheaper ferry fares through a road-equivalent tariff scheme.

Recent surveys have shown that 92 per cent of visitors to Scotland cite scenery and 65 per cent nature and wildlife as important factors.