VisitScotland claimed Arbroath’s tourist trade would miss out on “proven advantages” after the town’s most famous landmark was snubbed as a World Heritage Site candidate.
Arbroath Abbey was overlooked in the UK Government’s official submission of sites to go forward to UNESCO, who will determine the places that are given the international accolade.
Instead the Forth Bridge, the Crucible of Iron Age Shetland and the Flow Country were selected to represent Scotland on the UK’s list, which includes eight other entries from across the country.
A campaign committee was set up in Arbroath specifically to promote the bid for World Heritage status and residents in the town have been working towards the goal for several years.
Following an announcement earlier this week that the Abbey would not be included, VisitScotland regional director Richard Pinn sympathised with the locals who had put in so much effort.
He said, “It is disappointing that Arbroath has missed out on the opportunity to be considered as a potential World Heritage Site this time around.
“Becoming a designated site has a number of proven advantages to it, including an increased profile and global recognition of the outstanding qualities that such an area has to offer visitors and Arbroath would have greatly benefited from this.
“Having said that, Arbroath is already very famous as the home of the Declaration made in its name and of course the world-famous smokies.
“It has much to offer visitors to the region and we are very proud of this historic town.”
Arbroath Abbey had been put forward with the hope that its connection to the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath could sway selectors.
Applications for World Heritage sites are decided by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) on the basis of their natural or cultural value.
Scotland holds five including the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, St Kilda, The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, New Lanark and the Antonine Wall as part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire.
All sites put forward this week come from an agreed list that will make up the UK’s nominations in the years to come.
Mr Pinn added, “It is also great news that the iconic Forth Bridge is one of the three sites selected to represent Scotland on the UK-wide list of potential World Heritage Sites.
“It is clear from the strength of the 38 applicants, including Arbroath for example, that the standard of competition was very high.”
It was the responsibility of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to publish the revised UK Tentative List of 11 potential World Heritage sites, which was agreed by ministers in London, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The cut-down shortlist replaces the previous roll of hopefuls, which was originally published in 1999.
Vice-president of the Arbroath World Heritage Campaign, Harry Ritchie, was annoyed that the failure of the abbey had been announced to the press before those behind the project were informed.
He said, “I am disgusted that ministers have seen fit to issue a press release before informing those who had submitted the campaign for consideration.
“Obviously I am disappointed that we haven’t made the list and I find it very surprising that the abbey wasn’t included.”