The last remaining VisitScotland tourist information centre in Angus has been given a one-year stay of execution despite falling visitor numbers.
Tourism chiefs have committed to another year in the Arbroath Visitor Information Centre at the town’s seafront, in conjunction with Angus Council.
The extension follows the withdrawal from Pictavia near Brechin, which closed last October due to falling revenues.
Councillors on the development and enterprise committee have agreed to pay £27,500 towards running the harbour centre until March 31 next year.
A two-year decline in visitor numbers had been attributed to people using online tools to plan their stay in Angus.
Council chief executive Richard Stiff said the local authority had responded to these changes by upgrading its Angus Ahead tourism website and also providing tourism information at six museums and libraries across the county.
Members welcomed the extension but expressed concern over what might happen to a large unit inside the harbour building if VisitScotland withdraw.
Councillor Ewan Smith said: “I’m glad we are continuing to support the visitor centre.
“I appreciate we are moving forward digitally and I’m also encouraged by the number of visitors in April.
“I gather last week the Red Lion Caravan Park, just along from it, was fully booked on Easter weekend and the Victoria Park was absolutely packed with people on Easter Sunday.”
Councillor David Fairweather said: “I’m just a little bit concerned but happy the agreement is going to continue for the next year.
“It’s a big space in the visitor centre. Are we going to look at what can be done with it after that year?”
Committee convener Mairi Evans said: “It’s something that will be under constant review and we need to make sure we’re getting value for money out of it.”